The Society for Disability Studies (SDS) is a non-profit, interdisciplinary, and international scholarly organization dedicated to promoting Disability Studies, social change, and the study of disability in social, cultural, and political contexts – within and beyond the academy. Building on a rich history of more than forty years, SDS seeks to promote greater awareness of the experiences of disabled people, highlight the implications and effects of disabling social structures, and advocate for emancipatory social change. We therefore seek to augment understandings of disability in all cultures, contexts, and historical periods through a plurality of perspectives.
Understanding that our growth and contributions are vital to the existence of Disability Studies, we adopt a critical interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach to scholarly inquiry in solidarity with grassroots disability movements – through teaching, mentoring, research, artistic production, advocacy, and activism. Thus, we welcome emerging activists, artists, students, leaders, and scholars to join established SDS and DS communities, SDS panels, discussions, workshops, and other collaborative initiatives.
SDS’ day-to-day activities, events, DSQ journal publications, meetings, workshops, collaborations, and conferences are shaped by members’ scholarly perspectives and direct experiences of disablement. Our social media presence, celebrations, awards, spotlight pages, and member-only platforms also facilitate engagement in vibrant discussions and disseminations of ideas. Participation in all these activities ranges across scholars at all levels of seniority, artists, activists, and students of Disability Studies.
We welcome your participation. Consider becoming a member today!