Centre for the Study of Disability Inclusion

Janki Devi Memorial College

University of Delhi
Young Scholars’ National Conference
Dis/ability: Identity, Representations, and Inclusion

Call for Abstracts

The understanding of disability has evolved over the decades from viewing it as an individual
limitation from a medical perspective to a social model, where societal structures hinder full
participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in society. The United Nations Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has ratified the social constructivist approach to disability
as the amalgamation of impairments with attitudinal and environmental obstacles which prevents
active and equal participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in society (UNCRPD, 2006).
This shift reflects a broader recognition of the social, cultural, and environmental factors that
impact the lives of Persons with Disabilities and a call for systemic change to create a more
inclusive society.

As the focus shifts to society, within the context of disability, we notice the human tendency to
organize the world in various ways, on the basis of habits, traditions, behavior, and social roles.
The expected path to follow while engaging in these habits have given birth to the designated
“normal” (Striker, 1999). The desire of the scientific era to identify and organize societies
according to the similarities and differences of characteristics has essentially led to categorization
of humans. This categorization has far-reaching implications for how individuals are perceived
and treated within society

According to Foucault, this categorisation doesn’t just produce knowledge but also shapes how we
engage and value these differences (2002, p. 143). This categorization has resulted in the
recognition of differences among humans based on characteristics like gender, race, class, caste,
ethnicity etc. Disability is one such category that emerges from this process of classification. While
acknowledging and valuing differences in society is important, we must be aware of the hierarchies
embedded within the loaded notions of normalcy and abnormality in society.

There is a chasm in the popular and academic understanding of disability. While, the scholars have
engaged with the taxonomy and philology to construe the concept of disability and identities of
Persons with Disabilities (PwD), the popular understanding of disability is governed by
representations. Cultural representations of PwDs have shaped the social perspective towards
disability. The masses understand the everyday lives of PwDs through disparaging stereotypes that
are produced in and through cinema, social media platforms, etc. This leads to the development of
a negative attitude towards disability. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the everyday individual
experiences of Persons with Disabilities and critically examine these representations and the
corresponding social attitudes. By doing so, we can dismantle oppressive narratives and promote
inclusion.

Centre for the Study of Disability Inclusion (CSDI), Janki Devi Memorial College, University of
Delhi invites you to submit abstracts for the National Conference titled ‘Dis/ability: Identity,
Representations, and Inclusion’. The conference will serve as a platform for undergraduate and
postgraduate students, as well as research scholars pursuing M.Phil and PhD across disciplines to
convene and exchange ideas on how the experiences of PwDs can be integrated with popular
representations to cultivate holistic identities. Besides, the conference also aims to grapple with
the long-standing problem of creating inclusive spaces and society for the PwDs. The paper can
be empirical or theoretical in nature but should be an original contribution. We invite submissions
that delve into a broad spectrum of topics concerning disability, encompassing Socio-Cultural
Experiences, Representations, and Inclusivity, which may include, but are not restricted to:

1) Construction of Identities
2) Representations: Literature, Cinema, and Social Media Platforms
3) Ableism and Public Spaces
4) Disability Rights Movement in India
5) Law and Governance
6) Education and Employment Opportunities
7) Role in Indian Economy
8) Science, Technology and Inclusion
9) History and Religion
10) Social Experiences and Exclusion
11) Art, Fashion and Accessibility

Submission Guidelines:

Abstracts should be between 250-300 words, clearly outlining the research questions,
methodologies, objectives and four key words. Send a brief bio-note along with the abstract.The
conference will be in hybrid mode. Three outstanding papers will be awarded. No TA/DA shall be
paid.

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: 4th April, 2024

Notification of Acceptance: 10th April, 2024

Date of Conference: 17th-18th April, 2024

Please mail your abstracts: csdi.conference@gmail.com

Contact us: csdi.conference@gmail.com

We look forward to your valuable contribution.