Initially the field focused on the division between impairment and disability. Impairment was interpreted as a functional limitation of an individual's mind or body, while disability was considered a social construction based on political, social, legal or physical barriers that prevented full inclusion of people with impairments. In the social model was universally accepted as the model preferred by the field. However, in recent years, the division between the social and medical model has been challenged.
Disability Studies as an academic and research field started in the United States and the United Kingdom, but is now spreading across the world. Disability Studies has emerged in tandem with these important events. Its purpose is to expand the concept of diversity in democratic society and to increase the awareness of how disability influences the life course of human beings, the organization of societies, and the shape of knowledge in the arts, sciences, and humanities.
Dozens of college and university campuses in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom have established programs and departments in Disability Studies. This work often involves the hard job of changing perspectives on disability, both personally and socially. One who engages with disabilities studies will learn to challenge the view that a disability is a deficit only treated by medical means, working to destigmatize impairments socially, culturally, and politically.
They will also study global perspectives related to disability, working to learn from other contexts and cultures. Lastly, disabilities studies learners will work to encourage intellectual, physical, and social access to disabled persons, ensuring that they live in a world where their contributions are welcomed and heard. However, because one of the aspirations of disability studies is to enhance the civil rights of differently-abled individuals, paying heed to acceptable and changing terminology is important.
One of the best ways to stay up to date on appropriate terminology is to follow the recommendations of the National Disability Authority. A current list of appropriate terms to use can be found here. Disability studies represent a fairly new academic discipline. This area of study initially emerged in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada in the s. The first disability studies program was established at Syracuse University.
In , the Society of Disabilities Studies, responsible for the study of disability, chronic diseases, and impairment was established and began producing its first journal titled Disability Studies Quarterly. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination of people with disabilities in all areas of life. This includes industry, social situations, education, transportation, and all other areas fully open to the non-disabled public.
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