Call For Papers: 3rd Annual MN Symposium in Disability Studies

Minnesota Symposium on Disability Studies

University of Minnesota

July 27-28, 2012



*Call for Papers*

*Perspectives: Past, Present and Future of Disability Studies***

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The disability community is at a crossroads: many historic victories have
been made for rights and inclusion while the emergence of Disability
Studies as a field has expanded boundaries of knowledge, understanding and
experience. Yet, new demands and challenges at many crossroads threaten the
advances made by the disability community and force us to reconsider our
own assumptions and adapt to emerging issues.  This year’s Disability
Studies Symposium will focus on the history and future of disability rights
under the theme, “Perspectives: Past, Present and Future of Disability
Studies.” This symposium will bring together scholars and professionals
working in disability studies or disability-related fields for a weekend of
shared research, community and dynamic interdisciplinary discussion.



*Paper Submissions*

Successful submissions for papers will reflect a nuanced, critical
understanding of: disability rights as an evolving concept, the
implications of disability studies on fields of practice over time, and the
changing influences people with disabilities have on society.  Authors may
submit scholarly articles or narratives/stories, but all submissions must
demonstrate thoughtful analysis and high quality scholarship.



Please submit a 250-word abstract of your paper to be considered. Authors
of selected abstracts will be asked to submit an 8-page (double-spaced)
version or summary of their full papers.



*Dates and Location*

The Minnesota Symposium on Disability Studies will take place at the
University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus on July 27-28th. This
symposium is the result of collaboration between the Interdisciplinary
Graduate Group in Disability Studies, the School of Music, Disability
Services and the Office for Equity and Diversity at the University of
Minnesota. Rooms at the University Days Inn will be reserved for symposium
participants at the very reasonable conference rate of $75 but participants
will have to cover the full cost of lodging.  The hotel provides breakfast
and has a free local shuttle service.



Thanks to the generosity of The Office of Graduate Education, there will be
no registration fee for participants at the symposium and most additional
meals will be provided. Updates about the symposium will be posted at:



http://blog.lib.umn.edu/gara0030/iggds/



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*Abstracts are due by May 30, 2012 and should be sent as an attachment to
both Joanna O’Connell (oconn001@umn.edu) and Rachel Garaghty (
gara0030@umn.edu).**  **Questions may be addressed to either of the above.**
*