Call for Abstracts: Disability in the Global Middle Ages

Since its emergence, medieval disability studies has asked questions about the meanings of disability in the Middle Ages, the lived experiences of people with disabilities, and how scholars can apply the frameworks of disability studies to medieval texts. Although these questions have led to insightful and field-changing scholarship, much of this work centers the Western tradition. In order to explore a broader and more accurate view of disability in the global Middle Ages, we ask these same questions but with a focus on non-Western texts. This panel seeks presentations on any aspect of disability in the global Middle Ages, and we welcome submissions from across disciplines, including literature, art, history, religion, and philosophy. The panel will be held in-person at the International Medieval Studies Congress in Kalamazoo, MI in May 2023. Although we requested a hybrid option, we deeply regret that one is not available at this time. Please submit a 250-word abstract to either Tory Pearman (pearmatv@miamioh.edu) or Cameron Hunt McNabb (cameronhuntmcnabb@gmail.com) on the topic as well as a brief description about how the research supports or amplifies the work of scholars of color and/or those with disabilities. Abstracts are due September 15, 2022.