This article called​ Disability Studies: A New Normal ​by Cecilia Capuzzi Simon talks about a relatively new field of study. Disability studies is an academic discipline that started in the 1980s. In general, the field looks at the non-medical aspects of disabilities. Instead, disability studies treats disability as a culture in and of itself; it offers courses like policy, ethics, and the history of disabilities etc. all of which allow people to empathize and improve rights for individuals with disabilities. This field definitely speaks out to me because of my work with neuroatypical children.

I’ve seen firsthand many of the struggles they go through, so improving their quality of living and giving them more opportunities is something that is very important to me. An important quote that stood out to me in this article was by Tammy Berberi, the president of the Society for Disability Studies; she states “[Disability] is not a distinct physical condition or a private struggle.

Disablement comes from a confluence of social factors that shape one’s identity.” Essentially, this relates to the idea that individuals with disabilities – be it mental or physical – are more than their disability. Disabilities are more than a label – they provide a community for individuals. I believe that disability studies is a vital field because it allows the community of disabled individuals to get the changes they deserve, and for the rest of the world to be made aware of the benefits of integrating the people in this community with people who don’t have disabilities. Something I hope to do in the future is use the knowledge from this field and create policies that actually make a difference in the life of disabled/neuroatypical people. Disability studies is a new field, but it’s definitely ever growing and it’s something I’m looking forward to studying.