Society for Disability Studies

Over the course of twenty-five years, SDS has explored issues of disability and chronic illness, and has represented professionals who are committed to the full participation of disabled people in all facets of life. Our membership includes social scientists, health researchers, and humanities scholars as well as artists and those active in the disability rights movement. We are dedicated to exploring connections between disability and other culturally-constructed notions of identity, including race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, and national affiliation. In addition to publishing Disability Studies Quarterly (DSQ), the society holds an annual conference to bring together scholars, artists, and activists whose work embraces a disability-rights perspective.

In both DSQ and at our conferences, we offer exciting, groundbreaking work on current issues in Disability Studies from both the U.S. and internationally. A discussion list keeps our membership in touch between conferences and serves as a valuable source of information. Please see the links on this page for information about becoming a member, attending our annual conference, and subscribing to DSQ.      

In celebrating SDS's 25th anniversary, our founders, our funders, as well as our members past and present, must be acknowledged and thanked. It is through your efforts that the meaning of “disability” is being transformed. Together we can redefine disability in the academy and the culture at large. On behalf of the SDS board, I thank you as we look forward to another 25 years!  

Elaine Gerber, President