Society for Disability Studies

Please email other access requests to Gaby at admin@disstudies.org. You don't need to be a member of SDS to attend our virtual events, though we also welcome you to consider membership! Register today at: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi... 2/2

A lavender poster with the SDS logo in the top left. Title reads "Author Talks: A Conversation with E. Mara Green & Octavian Robinson." To the right is a photo of the book cover of "Making Sense." Poster reads "Join E. Mara Green, anthropologist, and Octavian Robinson, historian, for a book talk focused on Green's Making Sense: Language, Ethics, and Understanding in Deaf Nepal. We are excited for this cross-disciplinary conversation." The event will include opening remarks from Green, a response by Robinson, and a 40 minute-conversation. Afterwards, a 5-minute break and then a 30-minute Q&A. ASL interpretation will be provided, and access copies of pre-written comments will be shared."

Join the SDS on March 10 at noon Eastern Time for a talk with E. Mara Green and Octavian Robinson. Mara will be discussing her latest book, "Making Sense: Language, Ethics, and Understanding in Deaf Nepal." ASL and access copies will be provided. 1/2

SDS 2026 Awards Category Most Significant Article in DSQ Recognizes an article published in DSQ during the previous calendar year that makes a substantial scholarly contribution. Eligibility: All authors published in DSQ during the relevant year are automatically considered. Review: A review committee evaluates eligible articles for innovation, clarity, and contribution to Disability Studies - submit by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards Category Most Significant Unpublished Doctoral Researcher Manuscript Recognizes an exceptional, unpublished article-length manuscript written by a doctoral researcher. Eligibility: Doctoral researchers only; manuscripts must not be dissertation chapters. Nominations: Faculty mentors must submit a three (3) page letter of nomination with the manuscript. Award: The recipient receives mentorship toward submission to Disability Studies Quarterly - submit by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards Category Irving K. Zola Emerging Scholar Award Honors early-career scholars or graduate students whose work reflects the legacy of sociologist Irving K. Zola, emphasizing disability pride, identity, and culture. Eligibility: Graduate students, early-career scholars, or those within three years post-terminal degree. Nominations: Self- and/or mentor-nominations accepted. Include a letter (up to 3 pages) connecting the nominee’s work to Zola’s values, contributions, and vision - submit by 31st March 2026

Timeline:
Nominations Open: December 8, 2025
Nominations Due: March 31, 2026, 11:59pm, Eastern Time (U.S.)
Award Review Period: Spring–Summer 2026
Award Announcements: November 2026 SDS General Membership Meeting

#DisabilityStudies #Disability
disstudies.org/nominate/

SDS 2026 Awards Category First Book Award Celebrates an author’s first single-authored book that makes a significant contribution to Disability Studies. Eligibility: Authors of a debut scholarly monograph published within the last two years. Nominations: Self-nominations and publisher nominations accepted. Include a 3-page letter describing the book’s innovation and impact. Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review - by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards Category Edited Collection Award Eligibility: Books published within the past two years, including co-edited or revised editions. Nominations: Self-nominations and publisher nominations accepted. Include a letter (up to (3) pages) outlining the collection’s contribution and significance. Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review - by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards Category Curatorial or Exhibition Award Honors curatorial, artistic, or exhibition-based work that advances the visibility of Disability Studies in arts, culture, or public engagement. Eligibility: Exhibitions or creative projects featuring multiple works; projects do not need to be institutionally framed as Disability Studies. Nominations: Self-nominations and nominations by Disability Studies community members accepted. Include a letter (of up to four (4) pages) describing the project’s scope, accessibility practices, and impact - by 31st March 2026

Each year, SDS invites nominations from across our global community. Award recipients receive a certificate and letter of recognition presented at the SDS General Membership Meeting in November 2026.

Submit your nomination using the SDS Nominations & Awards Form: docs.google.com/forms/u/3/d/...

SDS 2026 Awards: Call for Nominations

SDS 2026 Awards Category Lifetime Achievement Award Honors a senior member of the Disability Studies community whose sustained work has shaped the field. Eligibility: Senior scholars and community leaders whose impact includes scholarship, theory, teaching, or institution-building. Nominations: Must be made by colleagues (self-nominations are not accepted). Letters (of up to four (4) pages) should describe the nominee’s contributions and influence. Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review - by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards Category Mentoring Award Recognizes exceptional commitment to mentoring students, activists, artists, and practitioners within or beyond academic settings. Eligibility: Open to any member of the Disability Studies community. Nominations: Must include at least two nominators. Letters (of up to four (4) pages) should provide examples of the nominee’s mentoring and its outcomes - by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards Category Senior Book Award Honors an outstanding single-authored scholarly book published in the past two years by an established scholar. Eligibility: Authors of scholarly monographs. Nominations: Self-nominations and publisher nominations accepted. Include a letter (up to three (3) pages) describing the book’s contribution to Disability Studies. Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review - by 31st March 2026

The Society for Disability Studies honors outstanding achievements in scholarship, mentorship, creative practice, and community engagement through its annual SDS Awards. These awards recognize the broad & evolving contributions that advance #DisabilityStudies as an interdisciplinary & activist field

SDS 2026 Awards Category Irving K. Zola Emerging Scholar Award Honors early-career scholars or graduate students whose work reflects the legacy of sociologist Irving K. Zola, emphasizing disability pride, identity, and culture. Eligibility: Graduate students, early-career scholars, or those within three years post-terminal degree. Nominations: Self- and/or mentor-nominations accepted. Include a letter (up to 3 pages) connecting the nominee’s work to Zola’s values, contributions, and vision - submit by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards
Irving K. Zola Emerging Scholar Award

Honors early-career scholars or graduate students whose work reflects the legacy of sociologist I. K. Zola, emphasizing disability pride, identity, and culture - submit by 31 March
#DisabilityStudies #Disability
disstudies.org/nominate/

Get more from Society for Disability Studies on Patreon PROMOTING DISABILITY STUDIES AND DISABILITY RIGHTS & JUSTICE

Just a reminder - you don't need to be a member of SDS to attend our public-facing events! If you do want to become a member, though, you can join us at www.patreon.com/SocietyforDi... 2/2

Green and tan event poster with the Society for Disability Studies logo in the top left. Event takes place March 2 at noon Eastern Time. Deborah Lefkowitz will give a talk titled "Navigating Disability: Living, working, and surviving financially with long COVID." Description reads "Long COVID, described as a 'mass disabling event,' forces millions of Americans to take time off work, work part-time, or leave the workforce altogether. Drawing on her extensive interview data, Deborah Lefkowitz discusses how individuals with long COVID navigate disability within complicated, not always consistent, legal, administrative, and workplace requirements." This event will include a 40-minute talk with a 35-minute Q&A after. Access copies and slides provided, and there will be a 5 minute break midway." On the right is a picture of Deborah, a white woman, smiling, with brown eyes, and wavy, salt-and-pepper hair.

Join us on March 2 at noon Eastern for one of our last events for the spring semester! Deborah Lefkowitz will give a talk on Long COVID and disability. Please email access needs to our admin assistant Gaby at admin@disstudies.org.

Register today at tinyurl.com/r3v5erxr 1/2

SDS 2026 Awards Most Significant Unpublished Doctoral Researcher Manuscript Recognizes an exceptional, unpublished article-length manuscript written by a doctoral researcher. Eligibility: Doctoral researchers only; manuscripts must not be dissertation chapters. Nominations: Faculty mentors must submit a three (3) page letter of nomination with the manuscript. Award: The recipient receives mentorship toward submission to Disability Studies Quarterly - submit by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards

Most Significant Unpublished Doctoral Researcher Manuscript

Recognizes an exceptional, unpublished article-length manuscript written by a doctoral researcher - submit by 31st March 2026

disstudies.org/nominate/

#DisabilityStudies #Dissertations #Theses #AcademicChatter

SDS 2026 Awards Category Most Significant Article in DSQ Recognizes an article published in DSQ during the previous calendar year that makes a substantial scholarly contribution. Eligibility: All authors published in DSQ during the relevant year are automatically considered. Review: A review committee evaluates eligible articles for innovation, clarity, and contribution to Disability Studies - submit by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards
Most Significant Article in DSQ

Recognizes an article published in DSQ during the previous calendar year that makes a substantial scholarly contribution - submit by 31st March 2026

#DisabilityStudies #Disability #AcademicChatter disstudies.org/nominate/

SDS awards are open! We have book awards, dissertation awards, DSQ article awards. We have awards for senior scholars and junior scholars. We have impact awards for mentors, artists, and community leaders. Check out all our awards and apply by Mar 31: disstudies.org/nominate/

SDS 2026 Awards Category Curatorial or Exhibition Award Honors curatorial, artistic, or exhibition-based work that advances the visibility of Disability Studies in arts, culture, or public engagement. Eligibility: Exhibitions or creative projects featuring multiple works; projects do not need to be institutionally framed as Disability Studies. Nominations: Self-nominations and nominations by Disability Studies community members accepted. Include a letter (of up to four (4) pages) describing the project’s scope, accessibility practices, and impact - by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards
Curatorial or Exhibition Award

Honors curatorial, artistic, or exhibition-based work that advances the visibility of Disability Studies in arts, culture, or public engagement - submit by 31st March 2026

disstudies.org/nominate/

#DisabilityStudies

Poster for the event, with blue and dark red writing on top of a light blue background. The poster also features the cover of the book titled Making Sense. We are excited to announce Mara Green's Author Talk! Join E. Mara Green, anthropologist, and Octavian Robinson, historian, for a book talk focused on Green's Making Sense: Language, Ethics, and Understanding in Deaf Nepal. We are excited for this cross-disciplinary conversation. March 10, 12 PM- 1:15PM EST Schedule: Short opening remarks by Green, a short response by Robinson, then a conversation (40-minutes). We will take a 5-min break before Q&A (30 min). Access Provided: ASL interpretation; access copies of pre-written comments for select questions, shared in the chat during the 5-minute break between the conversation and Q&A. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DGUCw4dRT2SHm-gL2HFUfQ For access needs, reach out to Gaby at admin@disstudies.org

We are excited to announce Mara Green's Author Talk!
10th March 2026, 12pm EST

Join E. Mara Green, anthropologist, and Octavian Robinson, historian, for a book talk focused on Green's Making Sense: Language, Ethics, and Understanding in Deaf Nepal.

Register:
us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

Poster with details about the event, featuring Deborah's portrait photo on the right. It reads: "Navigating disability: living, working and surviving financially with long covid. Long COVID, described as a “mass disabling event,” forces millions of Americans to take time off work, work part-time, or leave the workforce altogether. Drawing on her extensive interview data, Deborah Lefkowitz discusses how individuals with long COVID navigate disability within complicated, not always consistent, legal, administrative, and workplace requirements". 12pm EST March 2. 40-minute talk followed by 35-min Q&A. Access copy of talk and slides provided; 5-minute break

SDS event - 2 March, 12pm EST

Deborah Lefkowitz will present "Navigating Disability: Living, working, and surviving financially with long COVID"

A 40-min talk will be followed by a break & 35-min Q&A

Please email Gaby any questions at admin@disstudies.org

Register
us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

Join us tomorrow at noon eastern for this amazing talk!

SDS 2026 Awards Category Edited Collection Award Eligibility: Books published within the past two years, including co-edited or revised editions. Nominations: Self-nominations and publisher nominations accepted. Include a letter (up to (3) pages) outlining the collection’s contribution and significance. Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review - by 31st March 2026

Society for Disability Studies (SDS) 2026 Awards

Edited Collection Award

Eligibility: Books published within the past two years, including co-edited or revised editions - submit by 31st March 2026

Self-nominations and publisher nominations accepted.

#DisabilityStudies
disstudies.org/nominate/

SDS 2026 Awards Category First Book Award Celebrates an author’s first single-authored book that makes a significant contribution to Disability Studies. Eligibility: Authors of a debut scholarly monograph published within the last two years. Nominations: Self-nominations and publisher nominations accepted. Include a 3-page letter describing the book’s innovation and impact. Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review - by 31st March 2026

SDS First Book Award

Celebrates an author’s first single-authored book that makes a significant contribution to Disability Studies.

Eligibility: Authors of a debut scholarly monograph published within the last two years - submit by 31 March 2026

#DisabilityStudies
disstudies.org/nominate/

SDS 2026 Awards Category Senior Book Award Honors an outstanding single-authored scholarly book published in the past two years by an established scholar. Eligibility: Authors of scholarly monographs. Nominations: Self-nominations and publisher nominations accepted. Include a letter (up to three (3) pages) describing the book’s contribution to Disability Studies. Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review - by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards Category
Senior Book Award

Honors an outstanding single-authored scholarly book published in the past two years by an established scholar.

Eligibility: Authors of scholarly monographs - submit by 31st March 2026.

#DisabilityStudies
More information: disstudies.org/nominate/

SDS 2026 Awards Category Mentoring Award Recognizes exceptional commitment to mentoring students, activists, artists, and practitioners within or beyond academic settings. Eligibility: Open to any member of the Disability Studies community. Nominations: Must include at least two nominators. Letters (of up to four (4) pages) should provide examples of the nominee’s mentoring and its outcomes - by 31st March 2026 https://disstudies.org/nominate/ #DisabilityStudies

Mentoring Award

Recognizes exceptional commitment to mentoring students, activists, artists, and practitioners within or beyond academic settings.

Eligibility: Open to any member of the Disability Studies community - submit by 31st March 2026
disstudies.org/nominate/

#DisabilityStudies

SDS 2026 Awards Category Lifetime Achievement Award Honors a senior member of the Disability Studies community whose sustained work has shaped the field. Eligibility: Senior scholars and community leaders whose impact includes scholarship, theory, teaching, or institution-building. Nominations: Must be made by colleagues (self-nominations are not accepted). Letters (of up to four (4) pages) should describe the nominee’s contributions and influence. Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review - by 31st March 2026

SDS 2026 Awards Category:
Lifetime Achievement Award

Honors a senior member of the Disability Studies community whose sustained work has shaped the field.

Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form by 31st March 2026.

#DisabilityStudies #SDSAwards
disstudies.org/nominate/

SDS Awards (Nine in total!)
disstudies.org/nominate/

Timeline:

Nominations Open: December 8, 2026
Nominations Due: March 31, 2026, 11:59pm, Eastern Time (U.S.)
Award Review Period: Spring–Summer 2026
Award Announcements: November 2026 SDS General Membership Meeting

#DisabilityStudies

A blue variegated poster with dark blue and orange text with the Society for Disability Studies logo in the top right. On the left, a cartoon of a young person with short cropped brown hair and brown skin, wearing a yellow striped tshirt. They sit at a desk with a computer and drawing in front. A cane rests against the table. Reads "Why should you become a member of SDS? Your membership dues directly support Disability Studies and help us build access. We use dues to: fund the oldest journal in Disability Studies, one that's dedicated to open-access and accessible publishing. Secure needed accessibility supports for events. Pay org staff who help coordinate everything."

If you're not yet a member, please join us! We have sliding scale membership dues that allow us to foster #DisabilityStudies scholarship and community engagement. If you have the resources, you can also gift membership to another! Register: www.patreon.com/SocietyforDi...

#Academic #Disability

Coming up next week - join the SDS community for a discussion with Charles Bell and Alysse Loomis!

#Disability communities continue to find a way out of no way. Please forward, share, connect this @disstudies.bsky.social call to amplify vital efforts far + (world)wide: @ilo.org @crdjustice.bsky.social @equitableforall.com @dderamo.bsky.social/DRF #disabilitysky

A tan poster with pink and grey accents. Reads "Author Talks: Charles Bell & Alysse Loomis: How Restraint & Seclusion in K-12 Harm Families of Children with Disabilities." On the left are pictures of Bell and Loomis. Bell is an African American man wearing glasses, dressed in a navy blue suit. Loomis is a person with long, straight hair wearing an orange sleeveless top who stands outdoors against a blurred green background. Poster reads "Join Charles Bell, author of No Restraint: Disabled Children and Institutionalized Violence in America's Schools," and early childhood trauma scholar, Alysse Loomis, for a discussion on how restraint and seclusion harm children with disabilities and their families." The talk includes a 25-30 min presentation, a 10-15 min reader response from Loomis, and a 30-min Q&A. There will be a 5 min break in the middle. A photo of Bell's book cover shows a person sitting in the corner of a dark room, with another appearing in the lit doorway.

Our next event with Charles Bell and Alysse Loomis is taking place on February 10 from 12 - 1:15 Eastern. Please email any access requests to our admin coordinator Gaby at admin@disstudies.org. Register today at: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

#DisabilityStudies #AcademicChatter #EdStudies

Poster for the SDS 2026 Awards: Call for Nominations Dark blue text written on a yellow background, with a photo of a desk surrounding the writing

The Society for Disability Studies invites nominations for the 2026 SDS Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to Disability Studies across scholarship, activism, mentorship, & creative practice

Descriptions of all 9 awards: disstudies.org/nominate/
Nominations form: bit.ly/2026SDSAwards

Internalizing Disability: If I Tell You, Will You See Me? In this research, I take an autoethnographic approach to center my own Mad disabled voice. I reflect on personal challenges and understandings as I was introduced to medical sociology as an undergradu...

Through an exploration of medical sociology, outdated models of disability, disability studies, and disability theories, Emily King reflects on the personal, educational, research, and pedagogical implications these have had for themself, as a Mad disabled critical disabilities scholar.

1/2

Light blue background with black text that reads: "Devva’s Room, Disability Studies for All, January 14, 2026, every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 4 pm PST, 5 pm CST, 7 pm EST, Who was Henry Viscardi, Jr, The Museum of Disability History at the Viscardi Center - A history of the Museum, Virtual Tour by Natalie Reyes, Director" "Info on future and past events, registration, playlist and donation opportunity is available at: bit.ly/DevvasRoom” “co-sponsored by Disability History and Culture Collective and I Love You-Lead On Community" There is a photo of Devva holding a wand and wearing wings and stars are shooting out of her wand.

Join Us for Devva's Room - Disability History for All.
January 14th at 4 p.m. PST/ 7 p.m. EST

Natalie Reyes, Director of Viscardi Center, and others will share the history of the Viscardi Center, of the Disability History Museum, and take us on a Virtual Tour.

Register at bit.ly/RegisterDevva

Breaking barriers: How the Commonwealth Distance Learning scholarship is helping to shape a more inclusive world Commonwealth Distance Learning scholarship recipients reflect on their first months of study on the Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion MSc.

Discover how five scholarships secured by our Professor Hannah Morgan has enabled five Commonwealth students to undertake fully funded and remote study of our ground-breaking MA in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion.

https://ow.ly/uyMR50XTpti

Learn Accessibility  |  web.dev An evergreen accessibility course and reference to level up your web development.

"Learn Accessibility" is a course that takes you through the essentials for building accessible websites and web apps. Created for both beginners and advanced users, this course can be taken beginning to end, or used as a reference for specific topics.

web.dev/learn/access...