The Consequences of the Emancipation Process in People with Physical Disabilities: A Qualitative Research

Background: The concept of emancipation in the sense of empowerment, independence, and freedom came to the literature on disability with the emergence of a social model. Despite the importance of this concept, it is still unclear what effects the realization of the emancipation process has on the lives of people with disabilities and society. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the consequences of the emancipation process for people with physical disabilities. Methods: The study was conducted using the grounded theory method in 2021. Participants included 23 people with physical disabilities, a welfare organization manager, a welfare organization employee, a rehabilitation nurse, a physician, and two family members. The research data reached theoretical saturation with 18 individual interviews and two focused groups with 11 people with physical disabilities. 5 people were in the first group, and six were in the second group. Results: Data were analyzed based on the approach of Corbin and Strauss (2008). Data analysis led to 833 codes, seven sub-themes, and three main themes. The main themes included excellence and growth, functional health, and realization of a disabled-friendly society, and subthemes included self-actualization, self-determination, improving personal performance, economic self-sufficiency, improving social relationships, cultural acceptance of disability, and realization of social participation. Conclusions: The emancipation process leads to positive outcomes in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. These consequences appear in individual areas, such as improving performance and self-sufficiency, social participation, and promoting community culture, which can be useful in planning and policy-making focusing on the realization of the emancipation process. A rehabilitation team can assist in achieving emancipation and its consequences.