Abstract
Purpose : This paper examines the sufferings derived from social relations and the process toward symbiotic society experienced by persons with cervical spinal cord injury. Method : Semi-structured home interviews were conducted from April to August in 2009 with 29 participants dwelling in three prefectures. Transcripts were analyzed based on grounded theory approach. Results : Participants experienced dilemmas over internalized social norms that center on able-bodied persons and suffering from social interactions. They also experienced the process toward symbiosis that consists of restoration of able-ness based on social norms, objectification of internalized social norms and appeal of the worth of disability to society. Participants had possessed a sense of values as ablebodied persons and their perceived failure of observing social norms and others' discriminative responses to persons with physical disabilities brought them suffering. Participants tried to realize social inclusion by proving their ability to meet social expectations. However, some participants acknowledged their inclination to obey able-bodied-persons' viewpoints and they appealed to society to rethink negativelyshaped images of disabilities. Conclusion : This study implies that it is essential not only to support individuals who had strong orientation to able-bodied-persons' culture to reconstruct their identity but also to organize the community to develop inclusive social norms that put a value on disability is also essential.
