Full Description
Based on a 10-year longitudinal study in the United States, this much-needed text offers insight into the developmental trajectories of people with disabilities from childhood through adulthood using their language and amplifying their voices. Through in-depth interviews with 14 disabled people, the authors learned important lessons about how each individual developed and enacted a sense of life purpose. Their experiences are illustrated through rich and unfiltered narratives about childhood, family interactions, primary and secondary education, college, and work experiences. These life stories also illuminate growth over time, capturing details of educational, identity, relationship, and career trajectories. Featuring discussion questions at the end of each chapter, the book stimulates individual and group reflection and invites readers to engage in action as allies and advocates for equity and inclusion for disabled people. Disability Life Stories is essential reading for everyone—especially educators (in-service and pre-service), disability scholars, families, community organizers, healthcare professionals, and disabled people themselves.
Contents
1. Introduction; 2. Prior Research that Informs Our Work; 3. Overview of Our Research Project; 4. Meet Alice; 5. Meet Juno; 6. Meet Justice; 7. Meet Kalani; 8. Meet Kennedy; 9. Meet Landers; 10. Meet Mercedes; 11. Meet Peter; 12. Meet Poppy; 13. Meet Tippi; 14. Meet Titus; 15. Meet Willa; 16. Meet Willow; 17. Meet Yolanda; 18. Unfiltered Advice from Participants; 19. Conclusion
