Exploring the participation of people with developmental disabilities in self-advocacy groups in Korea: “I like it because I can share my story in front of others with my friends!”
- Author(s)
- Kyung Mee Kim, Sarah Hall, Yu Bin Jung
Description
This study investigated the experiences of people with developmental disabilities in self-advocacy groups to better understand the self-advocacy movement, which is currently in its developing stage in Korea. Face-to-face interviews with 18 people with disabilities were conducted. Study participants got involved in self-advocacy groups with the expectation of ‘voicing our stories’, ‘meeting new peers’, and ‘expanding the scope of activity in their local communities’. They participated in various activities from leisure to group advocacy against discrimination based on disability. After participating in self-advocacy groups, they expressed self-confidence, improved their communication skills, and developed new goals for their own lives. Participation in self-advocacy groups helped them replace feelings of loneliness with belonging and expanded their involvement in independent activities and leadership roles.
Suggested Citation
Kim, K. M., Hall, S., & Jung, Y. B. (2020). Exploring the participation of people with developmental disabilities in self-advocacy groups in Korea: “I like it because I can share my story in front of others with my friends!” Disability & Society. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2020.1804325
Details
- Date
- 2020-09-10
- Type
- Peer-Reviewed Article
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Online