Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

Disability Studies: A Student Success Guide

Librarian-curated guide to resources and information on disabilities topics, from Student Success

Featured Reference and Introductory Books

Book cover with blue, ripple background and small, white title
Book cover with bold title and small abstract art of human form
Book cover with capital title on tan banner over colorful, abstract image of graceful bodies with upraised arms
Book cover with bold black title on white background, intersecting with abstract pink and grey art
Book cover with large title in plain red and white
Book cover with white title on turquoise background in the corner, large black and white photo of students, including one in a wheelchair
Book cover with stark title framed in black, white, and grey squares
Book cover with blue text on white banner over image of vaulted sanctuary and two large, wooden doors
Book cover with white and yellow title on black banner under black and white photo of hand on cello
Book cover with red and black title, some letters out of focus, on plain white background

Featured Web Resources

Recommended Interdisciplinary Research Databases

Recommended Journals

Logo - large blue letters DSQ
Journal cover - black title on pale green background
Journal cover - white title on blue background
Journal cover - gold title on burgundy background
Journal cover - yellow title on blue, green, and yellow faded background
Journal cover - white title on red background
Journal cover - white title on black banner over green background
Journal cover - blue and green title on white background with blue and green circles

Tips for Searching

You can search in the library catalog for books on disabilities and find them in many different locations around the library. If you're stuck in your keyword search, try a subject search instead, using "disabilities" or "people with disabilities." You could also just go and look at the shelves in these call number sections to see what you can find:

  • HN - Social history and conditions, Social problems, Social reform
  • HV40-60 - Social service, Social work, Charity organization and practice
  • HV888-907 - Protection, assistance and relief: Special Class: Children with Disabilities
  • HV1551-3024 - Protection, assistance and relief: Special Class: People with Disabilities
  • LC-LD - Special aspects of education and Individual institutions
  • LC4001-4806.5 - Education of special classes of persons: Exceptional children and youth, special education: Children and youth with disabilities, learning disabled children and youth

Need a some more explanation on how call numbers work? Check out the tutorial on Finding Books on the next tab!

  • Start searching with keywords - some articles may use different words for the same topic, so try synonyms (Another trick to try is when you find some suitable articles, look at their records to pick out more keywords they use)
    • Try general keywords, like "disability studies, people with disabilities," and also try searching for specific disabilities ("Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, blindness") or for the context ("disability law, disability and religion, disability LGBTQ")
  • Narrow down your search by using the limiting options - most of the time, these are the categories on the left side of your results page or they may appear immediately if you used Advanced Search. For example, you can limit your results to more recent articles by selecting "Publication Date" and you can limit your results to scholarly sources by selecting "Peer-reviewed."
  • Find the full text of an article in its record by looking for either a PDF/Full text link or the FullText@Hekman link - if Hekman has full text available, you will be able to see and download it this way, and if Hekman does not have full text available, it will suggest that you request a copy through InterLibrary Loan (see more in tutorial for Accessing Articles in the next tab)