In 1998, a study was conducted in which 18 informants with physical disabilities were interviewed about their life experiences. Findings yielded important initial insights about the lived experience of disability and raised significant questions about the unfolding processes of and factors associated with disability identity as a signifier of acceptance and wellness. Since that study was completed, the field of disability studies has advanced towards the development of critical theory that positions disability within the omnipotent discussion of cultural diversity. Because rich description and detailed data in the initial study are pregnant with insights and theory about the positive association between cultural identity and health within the disability community, the inquiry to be presented in this paper synthesized the data set generated in 1998 with newly conducted interview data to further examine health, wellness and disability identity within the theoretical context of disability as cultural diversity. Thematic and semiotic analysis were used to reveal themes about disability as culture and to analyze pluralistic meanings of "disability descriptor" terms as they are used by disabled individuals to assert their health and wellness in a non-disabled society. Findings indicate the complexity of the disability identity process as a series of multiple depths and levels of movement into and out of a cultural context of disability language and transmission of acceptable norms and the necessity of this process as a path to health and feelings of self worth.
Learning Objectives: In this session participants will: 1. learn the method and findings a study of disability identity, culture and language; 2. critically analyze disability health and wellenss as a function of identity, culture, and language.
Keywords: Culture,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.