ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book draws upon empirical research, personal reflections and theoretical discussion in an attempt to provoke responses and action for a deeper understanding and change-making process regarding the private troubles and public issues that permeate intellectual disability. It begins by asking the reader to imagine a society so bad, so inhuman; but often it is not easy to imagine others live without imagery or a cultural context. The book explores disability research, feminist ethics of care and human capabilities. It takes to task education and identify that over-bureaucratised and over-restricted curriculum is de-humanising and care-less. The book builds upon these ideas of shame and denial, but relates more explicitly to care-less spaces for mothers. It identifies care-less spaces and shows how a care ethics model of disability can frame an understanding of education, mothering and intimacy in relation to intellectual disability.
