Hope Deferred

Hope Deferred: Public Welfare and the Blind delves into the societal, political, and institutional barriers faced by blind individuals in the United States. The book critically examines public programs addressing security, vocational rehabilitation, and employment for the estimated 300,000 to 400,000 blind citizens. Anchored in the premise that blindness is a physical limitation, not a determinant of mental or social capability, the book argues that blind individuals possess the same needs for independence and participation as their sighted peers. However, systemic prejudices, stereotypes, and misguided policies often perpetuate dependency and restrict opportunities.

Through case studies and real-life examples, the book illustrates discriminatory practices that deny blind individuals access to basic rights, including housing, employment, education, and even civic participation. Furthermore, it critiques the attitudes and policies of social welfare authorities, many of whom view blindness as synonymous with incompetence. These prejudices are reflected in public and private sector programs that prioritize control and segregation over empowerment. By exposing these failures and advocating for a paradigm shift toward inclusivity and equality, the book seeks to challenge deeply ingrained societal misconceptions and inspire systemic reform for the welfare of blind citizens.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1959.