Acceptance of Disability Scale – Revised

What it measures

Measures the degree to which individuals with physical disabilities have incorporated their disability into their self-concept without devaluing themselves. Based on Dembo, Leviton, and Wright's theory of acceptance of disability. Captures four value changes associated with adaptation to physical disability.

Response format

Likert (1–6, strongly disagree to strongly agree); total 50–300

Representative items

• Having a disability doesn't keep me from living a full life. (Enlargement of Scope)
• My disability is only one aspect of my whole self. (Subordination of Physique)
• I don't let my disability prevent me from doing what I want. (Containment of Effects)
• I have come to realise that I can have a very satisfying life in spite of my disability. (Enlargement of Scope)
• I feel that people with disabilities are as capable as those without. (Transformation of Values)

This is a licensed instrument — representative items are shown for reference only. Obtain the original scale materials from the publisher before use in research.

Usage notes & scoring

Four subscale scores and a total. Higher scores = greater acceptance of disability. Available for research use. Used in rehabilitation psychology, chronic illness adjustment, and disability studies research. The revised version (ADS-R) has improved item wording.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Linkowski, D.C. (1971). A scale to measure acceptance of disability. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 14(4), 236–244.

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