bookreport
...t jumped to the conclusion that is was just like any other book. I was really surprised. Christmas in Purgatory was written in December of 1965 by Dr. Burton Blatt an eminent educator, and Fred Kaplan a freelance photographer. Together they choose to go on a venture to visit five institutions at their own expense to uncover that there is a “hell on earth”. 2) Summary The book is divided into two major sections. The first section features four institutions in three eastern states, and the treatment and care it gave to the individuals which words cannot describe. The second section describes “the promise land” how there is sufficient treatment and care available for these individuals. Most of the problems that were uncovered were the large result of inadequate budget, inferior facilities and untrained professionals. >Questions 1) Is this a good learning tool for understanding the implications, pro and con, of having a particular disability? Yes, I do believe this book Christmas in Purgatory is a great learning tool for understanding the pros and cons about having mental retardation. This book actually takes you into a world you have never seen before. It discuses the right and wrong way to help mentally retarded people. It shows you how neglect and care can be a huge difference in ones life. 2) How has this book meshed with what you know about the history of people with disabilities and society’s response to them, as discussed in your text, the class lecture, and perhaps other courses that you have taken? This book Christmas in Purgatory has really meshed my knowledge a lot about the history of people with disabilities and how society response to them. I have always felt that most of the society has never accepted the individuals with disabilities, especially mental retarded individuals. Just when you hear the word “mental” you automatically assume it is un-repairable. But, while combining the knowledge of several different class lectures and this book, you realize everyone has their own faults no matter if they are disabled or not, and everyone need help. It is just each individual certain needs that need care. 3) Has your conception of disabilities (or this disability in particular) been affected by reading this book? Yes, I do believe my conception of disabilities have been affected tremendously by reading this book. I regret the way I use to feel about people with disabilities. It never use to cross my mind that being disabled is so very difficult. Not only do I know what effort it takes to live your life day by day, just by reading this book, but I know hands on. My brother is disabled with traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to a car accident. I feel the struggles he deals with like studying more than the average college student because his brain gets tired faster, or just the simply effort of remembering where he parked his car. I...