This report discusses the societal oppression of people with disabilities and the growing awareness of a new group consciousness and an emerging disability culture. It examines social attitudes toward individuals with disabilities; the effects of using a medical model of disability, with its implications for the objectification and control of people with disabilities; the movement of people with disabilities toward a sociopolitical model as members of a distinct minority group; and the values of this emerging culture such as accepting a disability as a source of pride and viewing life with a disability as worth living and celebrating. The functions of a disability culture are presented, including: (1) providing symbols, rituals, and values that serve to strengthen personal and group identity; (2) uniting people with disabilities and experiences, facilitating group action; (3) empowering people with disabilities by providing a variety of ways to inform others about themselves; and (4) inspiring other people with disabilities to self-identify. The paper also discusses the need for greater societal access and for stronger implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Contains 23 references.) (CR)