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Disability Studies

This guide provides a jumping off point for doing research into the impacts of disability on identity, representation, engineering and built environment, health care, technology, and power. We work to center the voices of people with disabilities.

Introduction

This guide provides a jumping off point for doing research into the impacts of disability on identity, representation, engineering and built environment, health care, technology, and power. We work to center the voices of people with disabilities and enable them to self-determine in language and representation. We also utilize Kimberlé Crenshaw's concept of intersectionality to examine disability as one of many interlocking systems of oppression. 

Searching Tips

  • Disability Studies is interdisciplinary, and you will find materials in sections including history, medicine, sociology, philosophy, design, etc.
  • We encourage you to center the work of people most impacted, those living with disabilities. 
  • Pay attention to language. Both library materials and catalog records may contain outdated, offensive, and even triggering terminology. 

Some relevant keyword searches:

  • abledness, ableism, ableist, able-bodied
  • access, accessibility
  • deaf, deaf studies
  • disability, dis/ability, disabled
  • inclusion, inclusive
  • sick, sickness
  • universal design