Initial steps towards a theory and praxis of person-environment interaction in disability

Recent disability studies and classifications use a simple concept of person-environment interaction. Further advances in theory and praxis may require a more complex understanding of that interaction.

To present (1) a framework for person-environment interactions that highlights their diversity and (2) initial steps in applying it to theory and practice.

For the person, we focus on the identities that the person may assume over time. For the environment, we focus on the initial state and change in reaction to the person or to the effects of the interaction. We take into account overlaps between the person and the environment.

The framework includes four components of the person's identity: non-disabled, disabled, identity project and identity imputed by others and four components of the environment: the given, the reactive during interaction, modified after interaction and internalised. We also include interactions of the person in different environments that may influence each other, and, do the same for interactions among key actors.

An example is given in detail. The praxis of rehabilitation may be enhanced by taking into account the relations among these subsets of personal identity and environment in programme planning, for instance, in the matching of person and assistive technology or in home support services.

The framework may serve to build a theory of person-environment interaction in disability that is compatible with interaction in other forms of difference among individuals. Thus, further social theoretical studies would encompass three distinct theories of impairment disability and person-environment interaction, respectively.