Disability Studies: What is it and what Difference does it Make?

The academic field of disability studies has expanded rapidly over the last two decades or so. With that expansion has also come some growing ambiguity about exactly what is meant by the term “disability studies.” This article reviews the history and evolution of disability studies as an interdisciplinary approach to research and scholarship. While acknowledging the broad range of interests and approaches that can fall under the umbrella of the “disability studies” label, we argue that it may be useful to present a set of core themes or beliefs that seem central to disability studies as a field if it is to fulfill its promise as a truly different way of exploring the meanings of disability in society. Finally, we argue that disability studies should be of special interest to members of TASH and others with particular interest in the lives of people with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities.