The book’s first two chapters describe the onward rush of the disability struggle as part of the broader political movement in South Africa. This is followed by a chapter on economic empowerment, as an extension of struggle into new areas. Rowland provides an account of the transformation within the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), including a description of three unique initiatives in the country, as models of service delivery and self-help.

Only a person who is at the same time a leader, a person, with a disability and a truly committed person could have produced a work of this import. The book offers something of everything: it is an insider’s tale, a human tale, a tale of triumph over adversity, a tale told by an experienced expert and a tale of the triumph of the human spirit. Dr Rowland writes with deep understanding, highlighting often innovative and heroic efforts to be both independent and loved.