Why are there no Disability Studies departments in the US?

<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>

<p>actually there are some, for instance at Syracuse Univ; check out this wiki article on disability studies which has other links as well</p>

<p>[ACADEMIC</a> PROGRAMS IN DISABILITY STUDIES [Disability Studies]](<a href=“http://disabilitystudies.syr.edu/resources/programsinds.aspx]ACADEMIC”>http://disabilitystudies.syr.edu/resources/programsinds.aspx)</p>

<p>[Disability</a> studies - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disability_studies]Disability”>Disability studies - Wikipedia)</p>

<p><em>facepalm</em> :)</p>

<p>My satire alarm is going off…</p>

<p>^^^</p>

<p>how did you make your font so small?</p>

<p>BTW…along with that wiki list, many disabilities are further studied in grad schools.</p>

<p>^ [ size=1 ] minus the spaces.</p>