The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology and Disability

Roughly 54 million people with disabilities live in the U.S., and there are many more millions of people with disabilities around the world. Not surprisingly, differences among and between people with disabilities are often as notable as differences between people with and without disabilities. And, while the lack of homogeneity among people with disabilities makes creating a valid taxonomy under this term difficult, if not impossible, there is commonality among and between people with disabilities that justifies an authoritative resource on positive psychology and disability. That is, they have experienced discrimination and marginalization as a function of their disability.
This volume assembles chapters by leading scholars in the fields of disability and positive psychology to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the state of the field of positive psychology and disability. Chapters are organized into thematic sections, beginning with an introductory section providing information on overarching themes in positive psychology and disability. The second section highlights the application of positive psychological constructs to disability, including quality of life, self-determination, adaptive behavior, optimism, hope, problem solving, forgiveness, gratitude, and spirituality. The following section addresses systemic issues in disability that impact positive psychology, again turning to disciplines beyond just psychology (special education, rehabilitation sciences, family, and disability policy) to address areas in which positive psychology can be applied. A fourth section examines positive psychology in specific disabled populations, including physical disabilities, cognitive and developmental disabilities, severe multiple disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders.
Disability has always been associated with "differentness" and, consequently, people with disabilities have, throughout time, been treated as such. As the first handbook to consider disability from a strengths-based perspective, this volume provides a catalyst to accelerate the application of positive psychology with regard to how disability is understood.

Michael L. Wehmeyer, Ph.D., is Professor, Department of Special Education, University of Kansas; Director, Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities; Senior Scientist, Beach Center on Disability, University of Kansas. His research and intervention efforts focus on promoting the self-determination of children, youth, and adults with and without disabilities.

Part One: Overarching Themes in Positive Psychology and Disability
1. Beyond Pathology: Positive Psychology and DisabilityMichael L. Wehmeyer
2. Understanding Disability: A Strengths-based Approach Wil H. E. Buntinx
3. Positive Psychology and Disability: An Historical AnalysisKarrie A. Shogren
Part Two: Application of Positive Psychological Constructs to Disability
4. The Impact of the Quality of Life Concept on the Field of Intellectual DisabilityRobert L. Schalock and Miguel Angel Verdugo Alonso
5. Optimism within the Context of DisabilityKevin Rand and Amanda M. Shea
6. Social Well-Being and Friendship of People with Intellectual DisabilityJoanne Kersh, Laura Corona, and Gary Siperstein
7. Exercise, Leisure, and Well-Being for People with DisabilitiesJennifer Rowland
8. Coping and DisabilityLillian R. Reuman, Chelsea Mitamura, and Michele Tugard
9. Adaptive BehaviorMarc J. Tassé
10. Self-DeterminationMichael L. Wehmeyer and Todd D. Little
11. Self-Determined LearningDennis Mithaug
12. Understanding Hope in Individuals with DisabilitiesCindy Pressgrove Buchanon and Shane Lopez
13. Family Perspectives on Child Intellectual Disability: Views from the Sunny Side of the Street Jan Blacher, Bruce Baker, and Lauren D. Berkovitz
14. Resilience and Disability: Concepts, Examples, Cautions, and ProspectsChristopher Murray and Bonnie Doren
15. Problem Solving and Decision MakingLinda Hickson and Ishita Khemka
16. Forgiveness, Gratitude, and SpiritualityWilliam Gaventa
17. Career Development and Career ThoughtsSalvatore Soresi, Laura Nota, Lea Ferarri, and Teresa Maria Sgaramella
18. Self-RegulationDale H. Schunk and William D. Bursuck
19. Disability Studies/Disability CultureBrenda Jo Brueggemann
Part Three: Systems that Support Positive Psychology and Disability
20. Positive Behavior Support: Foundations, Systems, and Quality of LifeGlen Dunlap, Donald Kincaid, and Donald Jackson
21. Supports and Support NeedsJames R. Thompson and Yuwadee Viriyangkura
22. Supported EmploymentPaul Wehman, Vicki Brooke, Stephanie Lau, and Pamela Targett
23. Family Quality of Life Caya Chiu, Kathleen Kyzar, Nina Zuna, Ann Turnbull, Jean Ann Summers, and Vivi Aya Gomez
24. EducationSharon Field
27. Aging with DisabilityTamar Heller and Lieke van Heumen
Part Four: Specific Populations and Positive Psychology
26. A Positive Psychology of Physical Disability: Principles and ProgressDana S. Dunn, Gitendra Uswatte, Timothy R. Elliott, Allissa Lastres, and Brittany Beard
27. Cognitive and Developmental DisabilitiesKarrie A. Shogren
28. Severe, Multiple DisabilitiesMats Granlund, Jenny Wilder, and Lena Almqvist
29. Positive Psychology and Children with Emotional and Behavioral DisabilityDan Olympia, Lora Tuesday Heathfield, William R. Jenson, Holly Majszak, Virginia Ramos-Matias, and Monique Thacker
30. Autism Spectrum DisordersDianne Zager
Part Five: Considerations for the Field of Disability
31. Limitations to Positive Psychology Predicted by Subjective Wellbeing HomeostasisRobert A. Cummins