<p>If one can major or minor in Women & Gender Studies, Jewish Studies, African-American/Black Studies, Hispanic Studies, and any other multicultural program one could think of, why can’t one major or minor in Disability Studies? People with disabilities are a large, misunderstood minority with a rich and harrowing history. We have our own literature (think John Singer in ‘The Heart is a Lonely Hunter’) and our own cultures (Deaf Culture, Autistic Liberation, the Special Olympics, etc.) Our issues encompass almost all disciplines, from medical science to art. Why don’t we have a space in America’s major universities? One would think that with all the political correctness that’s floating around someone would think to establish a Disability Studies department. </p>
<p>Don’t think that DS would be a superfluous major–such a degree could lead to careers in psychology, nonprofit work, medicine, academia, and all kinds of therapy. </p>
<p>I just don’t understand how such philosophical neglect could continue to go unnoticed.</p>