A Panoramic view of the History of Disability Studies

Abstract

All emancipatory movements and theories trace ‘history’ to establish a tradition and Disability Studies is no exception to
this. Disability, as a concept, has existed from the time of human evolution. The perception of it differs from one period to
another and also from one culture to another. There are several factors responsible for the transformation of the perception
of disability. The culture, society, time frame, socio-political milieu, economic condition and history of perception are some
of them. Disabled bodies are always looked upon since deformity is not an accepted norm in the society. The disability
historiography does not have the tradition of ages. Recently, disability studies scholars have made an attempt to trace the
history of disability from different standpoints, since the ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Manusmriti, Vedas and
Upanishads which feature instances of disability, have the same impact throughout the continent. Also the laws, movements
and activisms have the same effect on all parts of the country. Disability studies as a discipline flourished first in the
Western countries. As result, it seems that disability rights activism or movement in the world has been influenced by the
Western disability history and activism. However, disability in India has its own significant characteristics which stand out
from the western definition of disability. This paper explores the origin and history of Disability and the evolution of
Disability Studies.