Personal and Collective Disability Identity Development

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore how individuals with disabilities establish and maintain a social identity that incorporates meaning and context into a personal and collective perspective defined as disability identity. Beginning with a broad lens, the concepts of identity and social identity are explored. Theories and concepts that have shaped and refined the concept of social identity, specifically within a context of disability, are introduced. Disability Identity development is explored as to the key components and constructs that bring forth a comprehensive view of identity development for individuals with disabilities. Finally, these components are brought together within the context of Independent Living in order to show how this movement supports a positive, life-enhancing worldview of disability.