ABSTRACT
In the last few decades, the field of disability studies has adopted a perspective that emphasizes psychological, social, and environmental considerations. This newer way of thinking contrasts with traditional conceptualizations of disability, which focus on characteristics of the human body and on medical intervention. The World Health Organization played an important role in this change with the publication of its International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF; WHO, 2001). By suggesting a positive approach to disability and emphasizing activities persons with or without impairments are able to perform within their environments, levels of effective participation and quality of life for persons with disabilities have improved (Soresi, Nota, & Wehmeyer, 2011).
