Book excerpt: This book describes the recent and current changes taking place in the small Nordic welfare state of Iceland. The author takes the reader into the school system, the movement to integrate students with special and psychological difficulties into general schools and the pattern of inclusive schooling where Iceland -- along with other Nordic countries -- has gone far. For those who are interested in the changes which have taken place in relation to disabled people this is a remarkable story that provides a wealth of data and insights from an author well placed in terms of her teaching, research and personal experiences. This book tells the story of Benedict (and that of his mother -- the author) and is the remarkable experience of a young man, typical in many ways but unusual in others. He does not speak, he suffers from insignificant impairments -- both intellectual and physical-and needs support twenty four hours a day. This is Benedict's and Dora's experience. Readers cannot fail to be moved, perhaps to tears, by this life story.