The Routledge Handbook of Disability Arts, Culture, and Media

This comprehensive handbook maps the vital 30-year convergence of disability studies and creative practice, offering a crucial examination of how activism, law, and art have collaborated to challenge and redefine cultural representations of disability. It systematically critiques dominant cultural systems, institutions, and discourses while showcasing the development of provocative new narratives about the disabled experience. The text is structured into five distinct sections that guide the reader through this dynamic interdisciplinary field, providing a foundational understanding of its history and core principles. It serves as an essential academic and artistic resource for understanding the political and aesthetic power of disability culture.

What makes this volume particularly compelling is its commitment to moving beyond mere critique to highlight the generative work of disabled artists and media makers who are creating their own representations. It captures a global movement that is actively building culture from a disability perspective, rather than simply reacting to ableist portrayals. This handbook is indispensable for students, scholars, and practitioners in disability studies, arts management, and media production who seek to engage with this transformative field. Its collected insights fundamentally reframe the conversation around disability, art, and identity, positioning disability culture not as a niche interest but as a central force in contemporary cultural discourse.