2009 DIVISION 35 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: FEMINIST PSYCHOLOGY AND WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES: AN EMERGING ALLIANCE

This article is an application of the Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Girls and Women to psychological issues faced by Vomen with Disabilities. It includes culture-specific issues faced by Women with Disabilities, the multiple roles of Women with Disabilities, the importance of informal support systems, and the intersection between feminism and disability. The voices of Women with Disabilities from a variety of cultures are included to demonstrate the breadth of disability as it impacts women. Attention is given to the impact of worldview on understanding disability (medical condition, limitation due to socially constructed barriers, gap between individual resources and demand for ability, or segregation by ability status) and development of theories, services, and laws. Perspectives of health professionals, disability, advocates, and family members are provided to identify issues that need to be included in a comprehensive psychology of Women with Disabilities.