A multidisciplinary team approach to understanding how a chronic condition or disability is perceived by clients and their families from different cultural groups; who to consult in this regard; and how people use their own capacities and coping strategies under extremely stressful circumstances. Illustrated with examples from both indigenous South African and other cultures. Includes discussion questions; classroom exercises and/or home assignments. Aimed at students; health care practitioners; as well as teachers of special needs education.

Health, illness and disability is intended as an academic text for student health care practitioners, as well as teachers of children with special educational needs, such as deaf learners. It is also intended as a ready reference for qualified practitioners and anyone interested in psychosocial approaches to health, illness and disability.

Eleanor Ross has a Master's degree (cum laude) and a PhD in social work. She is a Professor of Social Work and was Head of the Department of Social Work at the University of the Witwatersrand from January 2007 to December 2009. She previously spent 12 years in the social work field, followed by 18 years of lecturing in speech pathology and audiology at Wits. She is an author and researcher of over 80 publications in academic journals and books.

Andee Deverell has a Master's degree in psychology and was a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand for eight years. She left academia in 2004 to join Mindset Network where she assisted in launching Mindset Health - an international health television and training programme. She now works for Standard Bank, in strategic issues management, where she conducts social and political research and analysis.