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I'm not aware of any such research. Our own research suggests a typical journey from onset of chronic illness to identifying as disabled that contains much ambiguity and ambivalence. Typical stages of the journey include: https://twitter.com/lifeofpippa_/status/1348592011427905539
1. Obtaining a diagnosis which gives a valid explanation for behaviour that is otherwise considered lazy, selfish, weak, attention seeking, malingering.
2. Grief over loss of self, enjoyable activities and professional identity, social networks. Coming to terms with permanence of condition. Finding desire to rebuild life and self to accommodate impairment
3. Accessing disability concessions, benefits etc. Often being granted a disabiltiy benefit is the first time someone feels 'entitled' to identify as disabled. As though this status must be granted by the State and can't be self-selected
4. Resisting systemic disbelief. Grappling with negative attitudes eg "everyone gets tired", "you don't look disabled" and stereotypes of disability as fixed and visible.
5. Until one gains enough confidence in one's lived experience of impairment to counter disbelief. And understanding of the politics of disability, ie that being disabled comes with rights and entitlements to live as fully as possible
6. It typically takes years. Many people don't get there. Many only identify as disabled in the context of admin and bureaucracy, not daily life. But those who eventually fully identify as disabled find it liberating.
It's all in Chapter Two of our report https://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/uploads/attachment/681/energy-impairment-and-disability-inclusion.pdf
It's all in Chapter Two of our report https://www.centreforwelfarereform.org/uploads/attachment/681/energy-impairment-and-disability-inclusion.pdf
