PhD Defense: Anna Sigrún Ingimarsdóttir

Anna Sigrún Ingimarsdóttir will defend her PhD thesis in Disability Studies at the Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology, and Folkloristics, University of Iceland. The oral defense will take place on December 8th at 1:00 PM in the Aula (Ceremonial Hall) of the University of Iceland’s main building.

The thesis is titled Young disabled people at times of transitioning: Possibilities and challenges ‘I don’t care what they think—I’m happy with who I am’ 

About the dissertation:

The dissertation examines how young disabled people experience the transition to adulthood and the barriers and opportunities they encounter along the way. Drawing on interviews and focus groups with young people in Iceland, the study sheds light on how societal expectations around age and ability shape their lives, opportunities, and sense of self. The findings reveal that young disabled people actively seek to take part in everyday youth experiences and milestones, yet often face obstacles such as inaccessibility, low expectations, and limited support. The research calls for more inclusive and flexible understandings of growing up, emphasizing the need to challenge ableist and age-based assumptions that restrict young people’s participation and belonging.

Opponents: Dr. Ingólfur Ásgeir Jóhannesson, Professor Emeritus, University of Iceland Dr. Janice McLaughlin, Professor, Newcastle University, United Kingdom

Principal supervisor: Dr. Snæfríður Þóra Egilson, Professor, Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology, and Folkloristics, University of Iceland

Co-supervisors: Dr. Kristín Björnsdóttir, Professor, School of Education, University of Iceland, and Dr. Yani Hamdani, Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

The ceremony will be conducted by Dr. Unnur Dís Skaptadóttir, Professor at the Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology, and Folkloristics, University of Iceland.

All are welcome.