Based on the most current research, and thoroughly compelling, this inspiring volume offers a broad spectrum of scholarly readings from a diverse group of experts in the fields of Special Education, Sociology, History, Social Work, Psychology, and others. Because a number of serious topics and concerns cut across traditional sub-fields, the 45 essays included here are organized thematically, spanning all of the disability categories and also offering applications for able-bodied learners in an appealing, non-categorical manner. The editors have chosen the primary and secondary readings with the goal of supporting a high level of mature optimism and hope in the field of special education, and to do justice to the complex and uncertain nature of the profession of special educators.