ABSTRACT
The societal frameworks conceptualized disability as something created and framed by the society in which the individual is living, and thus external to the person. The disability "facet" can become so overwhelming that other facets appear insignificant and relatively meaningless. R. Mackelprang and R. Salsgiver note that there is little in the literature that addresses identity formation and life stage development for persons with disabilities. Children who are disabled from birth or who acquire a disability during their early years learn to view the world from a disability perspective: that is, they have become disabled before the development of cognitive skills that would make them aware of the difference. Contact with other children, and with environments where their disability is "the norm" is often critical to positive identity development. The Disability Rights movement, positive role models, and the availability of resources and supports assist people to develop and create a positive, empowered disability identity.
