Critical Perspectives on Disability Identity

Abstract

The authors examine the social construction of language, labels, and knowledge associated with disabilities, arguing in favor of critical and intersectional perspectives on disability identity.

From Medication to Meditation: A Critical Disability Studies Analysis of Mindfulness-Based Practices for Children With Learning Disabilities

“…This classification was accepted by many, becoming the sole image of disability. Historically, society has understood individuals with disabilities from a medical or deficit model, which labels individuals as dysfunctional and in desperate need of treatment (Peña, Stapleton, & Schaffer, 2016). According to Reddy (2011) disability was defined as a disadvantage or deficiency that limits normal achievements with predominant physical or psychological medical significance.…”

“…Critical disability studies is an interdisciplinary and emancipatory framework that "seeks to extend and productively critique the achievements of working through more modernist paradigms of disability, such as the social constructionist model" (Shildrick, 2007, p. 233). CDS questions how knowledge is constructed in order to maintain structures and systems that exclude and control marginalized populations, such as those with disabilities (Peña et al, 2016). Historically, society has understood individuals with disabilities from a medical or deficit model, labeling individuals as dysfunctional and in desperate need of treatment (Peña et al, 2016).…”

“…CDS questions how knowledge is constructed in order to maintain structures and systems that exclude and control marginalized populations, such as those with disabilities (Peña et al, 2016). Historically, society has understood individuals with disabilities from a medical or deficit model, labeling individuals as dysfunctional and in desperate need of treatment (Peña et al, 2016). It is important to understand how CDS does not ignore one's individual challenges (Castrodale, 2017), rather it acknowledges one's capabilities to become resilient and shift the traditional view of disability as "at risk" to "having potential."…”

“…However, we must be reminded that individuals with disabilities are bound by structural and attitudinal barriers that limit one's capacity to navigate society (Martin, 2012;Peña et al, 2016). This suggests that people with disabilities must work toward an able-bodied norm in order to be seen as productive members of a capitalist society (Goodley & Runswick-Cole, 2013;Peña et al, 2016). Therefore, disability remains a social issue to be deconstructed by societal change (Goodley, 2001).…”

“…A CDS framework is crucial for this analysis as the emphasis of individual impairment and deficiency is resisted while incorporating the interests and voices of individuals with disabilities. This framework identifies how political, educational, and social contexts serve as sites for (in)justice (Peña et al, 2016). With this understanding and the utilization of mindfulness-based practices, children with LD can become connected to the body and apply different strategies to problems commonly viewed in a deficit framework.…”