Question

In "Disability and the Theory of Complex Embodiment", Tobin Siebers states "The idea that suffering produces weak identities both enforces the ideology of ability and demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of disability." Please explain how disability might create a strong identity.

Answer 1

• In psychological research, the term identity is often used to refer to the self, expressions of individuality and the groups to which people belong. Our identities define us because they contain personality traits and highlight social roles, and they can be focused on our past, present and future selves.
• Disability is a particular identity context, one that marks individuals as part of a group and as members of a minority sometimes subjected to marginalization, prejudice or discrimination. Disability identity refers to possessing a positive sense of self and feelings of connection to, or solidarity with, the disability community.
• A coherent disability identity is believed to help individuals adapt to disability, including navigating related social stresses and daily hassles.
• Identities help people make sense of different and distinct parts of their self-concepts. For people with disabilities, an identity should contain relevant content and goals linked to disability.
• In effect, disability identity should guide people with disabilities towards what to do, what to value and how to behave in those situations where their disability stands out, as well as those where it is not salient.
• Personal affirmation of disability is a way to feel included in society by having the same rights and responsibilities as other citizens, to be recognized and treated like everyone else within a group or society more generally,which helps in building a string identity.
• Finding meaning, entailing searching for significance and finding benefits associated with disability, is an important aspect of disability identity because it can represent personal acceptance.
• Constructive acceptance of one’s life situation, then, can solidify the meaning of disability while promoting a favorable disability identity. Searching for meaning following the onset of disability often results in the discovery of a “silver lining.”
• Powerful stories leave lasting impressions. Perhaps reading and reflecting on disability narratives can encourage some individuals with disabilities to reflect on their own disability identities and embrace themselves and making their imperfections a strong part of their identities.