ABSTRACT
Individuals who acquire a disability typically retain their self-identity and but often their public identity is changed. However, somewhat paradoxically, the individual’s pre-disability coping abilities and problem-solving skills have not prepared them for the possibility of a disability. Factors, both tangible and intangible, which lead to a positive response to a disability are described in this chapter. Both positive and negative responses to disability are described. Two widely used theories of responding to a disability are presented, but with the proviso that neither takes into consideration the individuals’ environment. The first theory is termed cognitive restructuring in which individuals change four aspects of the way in which they view their disabilities, and the second theory is termed the stage theory, which posits that most IWDs (and their families) progress through a series of emotional responses. The idea of viewing the acquisition of a disability as a developmental task is presented. Included in viewing the acquisition of a disability as developmental task are a change in identity is required; others must change their identity of the IWD; and there are well-defined responsibilities, including medical stabilization, obtaining assistive technology, and understanding one’s rights as a citizen with a disability.
