Article

Fauteuil roulant
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. OBJECTIVES: To present (1) a
framework for person-environment interactions that highlights their diversity and
(2) initial steps in applying it to theory and practice. METHOD: 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: 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. APPLICATIONS: 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. DISCUSSION: 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.

Langue : ANGLAIS