Welcome to the Texas Center for Disability Studies

TCDS 

is a part of The University of Texas at Austin's Steve Hicks School of Social Work and strives to fulfill the mission, vision, and values through work at our Center and with our partners.

MISSION 

The Texas Center for Disability Studies works to create a better world through research, education, practice, and policy.

 

VISION

The Texas Center for Disability Studies envisions a world where all people are recognized, respected, valued, and included.

 

e4 student in class

Emphasis Areas and Projects

TCDS is committed to advancing interdisciplinary exploration and collaboration. with projects that engage with critical discourse, innovative research, and transformative practices related to disability.

Engage in Disability Studies

Disability Studies is an academic field that is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary. Scholarship from a vast array of disciplines including social work, anthropology, philosophy, sociology, communication and media studies, economics, political science, architecture, law, gender studies, literature, and the arts (to name a few) contribute to this field.

students chatting outside a classroom.

Disability Studies Overview

Learn about this interdisciplinary academic field, which pulls from an array of disciplines including social work, anthropology, philosophy, and more.

Core Courses

Find out more about the core Disability Studies Courses provided by the Texas Center for Disability Studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about disability studies? Check out our FAQ page.

TCDS News

TCDS at the 2024 AUCD Conference

Nov. 12, 2024
TCDS Faculty, Staff and trainees attended the 2024 AUCD Conference in Washington D.C.

TCDS Hosts Supporting Every Step Children's Developmental Screening and Resource Fair

Oct. 28, 2024
The Texas Center for Disability Studies (TCDS) held the Supporting Every Step Children's Developmental Screening and Resource Fair at the Commons Conference Center at the JJ Pickle Research Campus on October 19th, 2024.
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Upcoming Events

A Orange rocky background with large white letters spelling Crip Conversations with TCDS logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Friday March 28, 2025, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join us for this two-part Crip Conversations event!
TCDS square logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday April 1, 2025, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
JJ Pickle Commons Conference Center 10100 Burnet Rd Bld 137
Join us in celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Texas Center for Disability Studies!
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Austin city bike path near lady bird lake

TCDS in the Community

We are committed to engaging the community through: exhibiting • information dissemination • autism screenings • technology demonstrations • research • post-secondary education. Have us speak and present at your next event!