Faculty Publications

Shana's Story: The Struggles, Quandaries, and Pitfalls Surrounding Self-Determination

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Self-determination

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Disability Studies Quarterly

Volume

29

Issue

2

Abstract

This qualitative research study explores the concept of self-determination as experienced by an African American woman labeled with a disability in an educational setting. When articulated as a particular set of skills to be acquired, this study found that the democratic intent of self-determination was undermined. In this case, self-determination became the antithesis of the movement's intent, instead resembling a process of normalization. Employing poetry to illuminate the participant's experiences, this research draws attention to the quandaries that arise when self-determination is enacted via a technical-rational instructional paradigm.

Department

College of Education

Original Publication Date

1-1-2009

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