Disability is a central part of human diversity, yet, like other marginalized groups throughout history, people with disabilities have been stigmatized, discriminated against, and oppressed. This contributed to scholars and educators long paying little attention to the historical, cultural, political, and legal aspects of disability. Disability Studies is a much-needed area of study that seeks to
counter the effects of years of marginalization. The study of disability in society, which often intersects with the study of race, gender, class, and sexuality, serves social justice and helps us envision a fully inclusive world. Disability Studies at the University of Oregon promotes the study of disability in the world and full inclusion of people with disabilities through education, outreach, community building, and celebration. The UO Disability Studies Initiative at the University of Oregon consists of faculty and administrators across campus working to integrate existing courses and design new ones that will provide more inclusive education to all. This includes providing course content that reexamines physical, mental, and sensory disability as forms of culture and aims for full social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities. UO Disability Studies seeks to increase student interest in the field, to expand campus diversity efforts to include disability, and to foster close ties with the broader community.
