Table of Contents

Part One: Overarching Themes in Positive Psychology and Disability

1. Beyond Pathology: Positive Psychology and Disability
Michael L. Wehmeyer

2. Understanding Disability: A Strengths-based Approach
Wil H. E. Buntinx

3. Positive Psychology and Disability: An Historical Analysis
Karrie 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 Disability
Robert L. Schalock and Miguel Angel Verdugo Alonso

5. Optimism within the Context of Disability
Kevin Rand and Amanda M. Shea

6. Social Well-Being and Friendship of People with Intellectual Disability
Joanne Kersh, Laura Corona, and Gary Siperstein

7. Exercise, Leisure, and Well-Being for People with Disabilities
Jennifer Rowland

8. Coping and Disability
Lillian R. Reuman, Chelsea Mitamura, and Michele Tugard

9. Adaptive Behavior
Marc J. Tassé

10. Self-Determination
Michael L. Wehmeyer and Todd D. Little

11. Self-Determined Learning
Dennis Mithaug

12. Understanding Hope in Individuals with Disabilities
Cindy 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 Prospects
Christopher Murray and Bonnie Doren

15. Problem Solving and Decision Making
Linda Hickson and Ishita Khemka

16. Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Spirituality
William Gaventa

17. Career Development and Career Thoughts
Salvatore Soresi, Laura Nota, Lea Ferarri, and Teresa Maria Sgaramella

18. Self-Regulation
Dale H. Schunk and William D. Bursuck

19. Disability Studies/Disability Culture
Brenda Jo Brueggemann

Part Three: Systems that Support Positive Psychology and Disability

20. Positive Behavior Support: Foundations, Systems, and Quality of Life
Glen Dunlap, Donald Kincaid, and Donald Jackson

21. Supports and Support Needs
James R. Thompson and Yuwadee Viriyangkura

22. Supported Employment
Paul 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. Education
Sharon Field

27. Aging with Disability
Tamar Heller and Lieke van Heumen

Part Four: Specific Populations and Positive Psychology

26. A Positive Psychology of Physical Disability: Principles and Progress
Dana S. Dunn, Gitendra Uswatte, Timothy R. Elliott, Allissa Lastres, and Brittany Beard

27. Cognitive and Developmental Disabilities
Karrie A. Shogren

28. Severe, Multiple Disabilities
Mats Granlund, Jenny Wilder, and Lena Almqvist

29. Positive Psychology and Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disability
Dan Olympia, Lora Tuesday Heathfield, William R. Jenson, Holly Majszak, Virginia Ramos-Matias, and Monique Thacker

30. Autism Spectrum Disorders
Dianne Zager

Part Five: Considerations for the Field of Disability

31. Limitations to Positive Psychology Predicted by Subjective Wellbeing Homeostasis
Robert A. Cummins

About the Author

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.

Reviews

"Using positive psychology as a basis, this book explores disabilities in terms of strengths and discusses how to provide support to disabled individuals to help them increase their quality of life. This book covers the topic of the integration of positive psychology and disability quite well. The importance of seeing disability in terms of strengths and not simply limitations cannot be underestimated. This is a refreshing look at how to assist the disabled in
reaching their goals." -Gary B Kaniuk, Psy.D., Doody's Health Sciences Book Review
"The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology and Disability, edited by Michael Wehmeyer, provides an in-depth exploration of research on people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. [... T]his collection of original research benefits from the credibility of authorities in the fields of disability and positive psychology. [...] iThe Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology and Disability is a valuable addition to the library of any
professional or student interested in increasing overall cultural competence in working with individuals with disabilities. It challenges professionals to embrace their responsibility to advocate for and with people
with disabilities in recognition that basic provision of rights is meaningless if individuals cannot access the freedoms and opportunities that these rights are intended to afford." -Kara Ayers & Stephanie Weber, PsycCRITIQUES