Embodied selves in transition: Disabled young bodies

Physically disabled young people often experience pain; in addition their bodies are also undergoing changes associated with adolescence. We do not know much about what this is like for young people and how their disability interacts with their changing body and what this means for them.
Adolescence is a period that is surrounded by social and cultural expectations, influenced by notions of normality. Disability complicates such expectations as those around disabled young people often make assumptions about how 'normal' tiieyoung person can be. The disabled young person may not necessarily agree with such expectations and views, but nevertheless they have to live with and deal with such expectations, alongside other factors that influence adolescence,such as gender and sexuality. Our research project aims to consider:

what is it like to be disabled and live with pain, as you move towards adulthood?

Our project will work with a group of young people to explore their lives at this key stage in their development and social lives. A number of activities will be undertaken, including qualitative interviews, digital photography, and social networking.
The research will be supported by a research panel of disabled young people who will guide research design and analysis.