The authorship of their own lives in people with disabilities (AOL-PwD). From the sources and theoretical construct to the design of research stages and procedures

The purpose of this article is to present a theoretical basic and identify meaning contexts for the authorship of their own lives in people with disabilities concept (AOL-PwD) as well as to provide preliminary methodological arrangements related to designing research stages and procedures. The article defines the authorship of their own lives in people with disabilities concept (AOL-PwD) in terms of a multidimensional construct that identifies: (1) subjective experiences, (2) wellbeing, (3) independence, (4) satisfying performance of developmental tasks, and (5) efficient use of social support. The paradigmatic change regarding disability that took place in the first decade of the 21st century and a holistic, interdisciplinary perspective in the approach to people with disabilities were considered a basis for developing the AOL-PwD concept. The article also refers to the methodological change relating to the occurrence of a participatory paradigm in research. A preliminary formulation of research tasks carried out in five stages is made. The article emphasizes that the authorship of their own lives in people with disabilities is a humanistic concept of assessment and rehabilitation and forms part of the trend that creates a positive, causative image of people with disabilities in society.