Four types of integration in disability identity development

Issue title: Disability Empowerment

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gill, Carol J.^;

Affiliations: Room 236, Chicago Center for Disability Research, Institute on Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago (M/C 626), 1640 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 630 9200924; Fax: + 1 630 9200928.

Abstract: Integration is a recurrent theme in classic theories of personality development, reflecting the perennial human struggle to resolve opposing pulls toward separation and unity. Identity development is examined in this paper as a particular case of the striving for integration on both individual and group levels. In the context of minority identity development, the steps toward achieving a sound disabiltiy identity are discussed with respect to intrapsychic, interpersonal, and social dynamics. Four types of integration underlying disability identity development are delineated with examples: (1) ‘coming to feel we belong’ (integrating into society); (2) ‘coming home’ (integrating with the disability community); (3) ‘coming together’ (internally integrating our sameness and differentness); and (4) ‘coming out’ (integrating how we feel with how we present ourselves). The paper ends with a discussion of the significance of this integration process for personal empowerment and disability rights activism.

Keywords: Disability, Identity, Integration, Minority, Personality development, Empowerment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1997-9106

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 39-46, 1997