Disability studies: an introduction for Egyptology

Almost all people at some point in their lives will experience some form of disability. Yet disability has been understudied and is often hidden from the publicly presented perception of the past. The way people live with disability, in the broadest possible definition, is a fundamental aspect of humanity. Our volume considers the field of Disability Studies to be a framework from which studies of the ancient past, historiographical studies, and the future engagement can be addressed. This chapter explores the history and origins of the field of Disability Studies. It will broadly outline the discipline’s aims and agendas, which focus on introducing the disability paradigm to readers from Egyptological and archaeological backgrounds, who have not yet engaged with Disability Studies. The chapter also briefly includes a summary of critical Disability Studies and some of its theoretical directions today, especially in relation to ancient world studies. It is hoped that the introductions in this chapter will encourage readers to consider the importance of Disability Studies to Egyptology and argues for the use of Disability Studies frameworks in the present volume.