Master of Arts (MA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Graduate Program in Critical Disability Studies (CDS) at 91ÑÇÉ« offers research-intensive MA and PhD degrees that examine disability through interdisciplinary perspectives, including social justice, human rights, social policy, and cultural studies. Established in 2003, with Canada’s first PhD in Critical Disability Studies launched in 2007, the program is recognized as a leader in the field. CDS faculty support intersectional and innovative scholarship that values lived experience and contributes to national and international conversations on disability. Students engage in diverse theoretical and methodological approaches while benefiting from a vibrant academic community, including participation in the Critical Disability Studies Student Association (CDSSA).
Explore Disability from a Critical Perspective in relation to
Critical Theory
Social Justice
Arts
Social Movements
Upcoming Events
Featured Faculty
Dr. Geoffrey Reaume
Research Interests
Mad People’s History; Disability History; Public History and archives; Connecting the past to the present; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Sean Hillier
Research Interests
Indigenous health; Health Policy; One Health; Indigenous Peoples living with HIV; 2-Spirited & LGBTTIQQA rights; community-engaged research.
Dr. Rachel da Silveira Gorman
Research Interests
Critical disability studies; critical race studies; mad studies; data justice; co-design; community-based AI applications; environmental justice and climate science; research-creation;
Dr. Jessica Vorstermans
Research Interests
International experiential and service learning and global citizenship; Critical Disability Theory; Human Rights, Disability and Equity; Disability and North/South relations.
The Critical Disability Studies (CDS) program gave me the knowledge and experience to strategically work toward addressing some of the most challenging social issues facing people with disabilities and other marginalized and oppressed social groups.
— Alexis Buettgen
PhD, 2016
Learn More
The Graduate Program in Critical Disability Studies at 91ÑÇÉ« is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.