Research on the Lives of Persons with Disabilities

This article describes the significance of qualitative methodologies in capturing the complexities of the disability experience. The authors discuss some of the principles of qualitative research and show how those principles lend themselves to the new disability paradigm that has emerged in the last 20 years. They give examples of three disability studies in which qualitative methods were used to shed light on the complex interrelationships among physical impairment, societal barriers, and public programs. They also explore the underlying assumptions of both qualitative and quantitative approaches, emphasizing their ultimate compatibility and showing how each approach can complement the other to provide a more holistic view of the disability experience.