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Identifying as a member of a cultural group has important psychological benefits for people with disabilities of all ages. More parents are making the shift from seeing their child’s disability from the medical model (which focuses only on physical impairments and barriers) to the social model of disability (which recognizes that attitudes and acts of discrimination are the real culprits blocking their child’s full participation in society).

Embracing this new way of thinking can lead to a harsh encounter with reality on the depth of oppression that still exists for this newest generation. The perfect anecdote for this shared feeling of hopelessness from parents is an exploration of the meaning of disability culture.

While disability culture includes an unmatched understanding of discrimination based on abilities, it surpasses the boundaries of just a unified experience of oppression. Increasingly, people with disabilities are developing their own forms of art, communication, symbols, and events that celebrate our rich history and promising future. Learning about the past of people with disabilities is one important part of understanding our identities as individuals in a group.

Recognizing the present and future of people with disabilities also provides the unique opportunity to learn through living and enjoy the examples of leadership provided by others. Lessons like maintaining a sense of humor and resilience in the face of challenges, accepting interdependence as a way of life, and being flexible and adaptable are important skills to be honed for children from every cultural background.