Journal of Education and Human Development

Disability Identity Development of People who have Low Vision or are Blind
Jennifer Gibson, Ph.D; J. Mark Pousson, Ph.D; Sarah Laux, Ph.D; Karen Myers, Ph.D.

Abstract
While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 placed the rights of individuals with disabilities in the forefront of the American public, understanding the identity development of individuals with disabilities, especially those with low vision or are blind, has been ignored in the United States. This research study sought to determine the disability identity development levels of individuals with visual disabilities. Utilizing the Gibson Disability Identity Development Scale with individuals with visual disabilities, the researchers determined the scale to be reliable for practitioners to use in the variety of services offered to individuals who have low vision or are blind. The findings provide implications for practitioners and educational professionals seeking interventions to aid the healthy development of a disability identity of individuals with disabilities.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v7n3a3