This handbook is the first comprehensive text on positive psychology and disability. Emphasizing paradigmatic changes in understanding disability, the text covers traditional disciplines in positive psychology; and applications of positive psychology to domains like education or work.

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. Tasse ; 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 ; 25. 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

"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

Selling point: Provides the first comprehensive treatment of positive psychology and disability available, and presents an "across the lifespan" approach to positive psychology and disability Selling point: Introduces a new paradigm as to how disability itself is understood, thus opening the door for a greater focus on strengths and positive attributes of people with disabilities Selling point: Provides a multidisciplinary perspective, and includes contributions from authors with backgrounds in more traditional psychological disciplines (psychology, special education, rehabilitation), as well as from disciplines not typically associated with psychology, such as disability studies, religion, and applied disciplines related to employment and education Selling point: Part of THE OXFORD LIBRARY OF PSYCHOLOGY series

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.

Selling point: Provides the first comprehensive treatment of positive psychology and disability available, and presents an "across the lifespan" approach to positive psychology and disability Selling point: Introduces a new paradigm as to how disability itself is understood, thus opening the door for a greater focus on strengths and positive attributes of people with disabilities Selling point: Provides a multidisciplinary perspective, and includes contributions from authors with backgrounds in more traditional psychological disciplines (psychology, special education, rehabilitation), as well as from disciplines not typically associated with psychology, such as disability studies, religion, and applied disciplines related to employment and education Selling point: Part of THE OXFORD LIBRARY OF PSYCHOLOGY series