Disability studies is an interdisciplinary field of scholarship that examines the social, cultural, political, and economic aspects of disability. It challenges traditional medical and individualized perspectives of disability by focusing on the ways in which social and environmental factors contribute to disablement and shape the experiences of disabled individuals.

Key aspects of disability studies include:

1. Social Model of Disability: Disability studies adopts a social model of disability, which posits that disability is not solely a result of individual impairment but is also a product of social barriers and discrimination. According to this model, disability arises from the interaction between individuals with impairments and inaccessible environments, discriminatory attitudes, and exclusionary practices.
2. Identity and Culture: Disability studies explores disability as a social and cultural identity, examining how disabled individuals understand and experience their identities within different cultural contexts. It recognizes the diversity and complexity of disability experiences and advocates for the inclusion of disabled voices and perspectives in academic research and public discourse.
3. Intersectionality: Disability studies acknowledges that disability intersects with other social identities and experiences, such as race, gender, sexuality, class, and age. It examines how multiple forms of oppression and discrimination intersect to shape the experiences of disabled individuals and communities, and advocates for an intersectional approach to understanding and addressing disability-related inequalities.
4. Disability Rights and Activism: Disability studies engages with disability rights movements and activism, which advocate for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of disabled individuals. It examines the history of disability rights struggles, disability rights legislation, and grassroots activism aimed at challenging ableism and promoting social justice for disabled people.
5. Access and Inclusion: Disability studies emphasizes the importance of accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of society, including education, employment, transportation, healthcare, and public spaces. It promotes universal design principles and accommodations that ensure equal participation and opportunities for disabled individuals in society.

Overall, disability studies provides a critical framework for understanding disability as a social and cultural phenomenon, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions, and advocating for the rights and dignity of disabled people. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue among scholars, activists, policymakers, and disabled individuals to advance social change and promote a more inclusive and equitable society.