The Meanings of Activism:Identity Transformation and Civic Life of Mothers for Disability Rights in Taiwan.

Disability has long been considered a personal and family issue within the private domain of society in Taiwan. Starting in the 1980s, however, disability issues, particularly the rights of disabled citizens, have been brought into the public sphere through an increasing number of organized collective actions. Based on participant observation and in-depth interviews with members of the Parents Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PAPID), I explore the meanings of activism for parents who participated in the disability rights movement. First, I show the impacts of disability stigma for family members, especially for the mothers of disabled persons. Second, I analyze the identity transformation and empowerment of disability rights activists. I argue that the participants in this movement, mainly the mothers of intellectually disabled children, not only promoted the welfare of their children but they also learned to confront social stigma and renegotiate their gender roles. The parents' associations became an important public space for these mothers to escape home confinement and enjoy civic life. In contrast, the fathers who participated viewed activism as an obligation and were less likely show emotional attachment to the civic organizations. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]