Disability Pride Month: Advancing disability scholarship and inclusive practice

July marks Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the experiences, achievements and contributions of disabled people, as well as raising awareness of disability rights and promoting inclusion.

In the School of Sociology and Social Policy, Disability Pride Month provides an opportunity to showcase how academic research is advancing disability inclusion through research, teaching, and public engagement.

The Centre for Disability Studies

The University of Leeds is home to one of the world's leading centres for disability research and teaching. Based in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, the Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) has been at the forefront of disability studies for more than 30 years.

Originally named the Disability Research Unit, established in 1990 by Professor Colin Barnes, a pioneering figure in disability rights and disability studies research. This research unit helped shape disability studies into a recognised academic field and positioned Leeds as a global leader in disability research.

Today, the Centre for Disability Studies brings together researchers from across the University to advance understanding of disability through research and teaching. Its work focuses on disability rights, inclusion, accessibility and social justice. The centre is internationally recognised for its contributions to disability policy and rights. It is currently directed by Dr Miro Griffiths and continues to work closely with disabled people, organisations and communities to promote equality, inclusion and positive social change.

CDS Conference 2026

The Leeds Disability Studies Conference returned for its second event in April 2026 following the success of the inaugural conference in 2024. Under the theme of “Navigating the changing Landscape of Disability/Studies”, the conference brought together disability researchers, students, activists and practitioners from across the globe to share ideas, discuss current challenges and explore the future of Disability Studies.

Over three days, the conference attracted almost 500 participants from all around the world, including both in-person and virtual. The event featured an impressive programme: 4 keynote speakers, 200 paper presentations, 20 symposia, 5 panels, 20 poster presentations and 63 pre-recorded presentations. The highlights included keynote deliveries from disabled cartoonist Dave Lupton (Crippen), Beatriz Miranda-Galarza (School of Sociology and Social Policy PhD alumna and UN Special Rapporteur), and University of Leeds Professor Stuart Murray. Colleagues and postgraduate researchers from the School of Sociology and Social Policy also shared their work, highlighting the disability research taking place at Leeds.

The event created a welcoming and inspiring space for discussion, collaboration and community, reinforcing the centre's position as a global leader in disability studies and disability rights research.

Alex Pearl (Visting Scholar at Leeds) stated:

I am both inspired and energised by the huge variety of important work being undertaken by disability studies scholars and activists across the globe.

Image of our colleague Mindy standing next to the conference poster

Lecturer in Disability Studies Dr Mindy Ptolomey

Study with us

The fully online MSc in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion was launched in September 2023, replacing a campus-based programme established in 1993. This new programme offers a more globally focused and accessible course that provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills, and networks to effect change in their local settings and beyond. Developed in collaboration with international disabled people’s organisations, the programme offers a flexible, accessible, and lower-cost option.

Whilst enrolled, students explore topics including disability rights, social justice, inclusion, and the social model of disability, while considering how positive change can be achieved in their communities and professions. Delivered part-time over 24 months, the flexible online format enables students to balance study with work and other commitments.

Bringing together a diverse international student community, the programme equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to champion equality and inclusion or pursue further research.