'Re-Visiting the Institution: Fresh Perspectives on the History of Physical Disability' workshop to be held at the University of Leeds on 26th June 2006. (360G-Wellcome-080355_Z_06_Z)

Meeting: Re-Visiting the Institution: Fresh Perspectives on the History of Physical Disability, Leeds Humanities Research Institute, University of Leeds, 26 June 2006 The role of the institution in the care and education of disabled people has become the subject of controversy. Some of the roots of contemporary disquiet relate to practices and attitudes that have a long history. Other concerns derive from the traditional close nexus between institutions and charitable organizations. Yet historically institutions have occupied a central position in the lives of many generations of disabled people. Indeed their longevity suggests that they have proved flexible, adaptable and of continuing relevance. Many current issues and debates have perplexed and infatuated reformers and activists for centuries. For historians of disability, therefore, there is no escaping the centrality of the institution. Yet, it remains a neglected area of historical research. Physical disability especially has been overlooked by historians. Thus this workshop is needed in order to further our understanding of an issue that is both controversial and topical. Disability history is a new and growing field. The number of academics who research within the area is quite small. Scholars work in isolation at different universities and in different disciplines. There is a need to bring people together in order to promote ties between both academics and institutions and encourage future collaborative research. As disability history is still very much in its nascent stages in the UK, such a workshop will help to promote awareness and interest in the field. By collaborating with the Centre for Disability Studies at the University of Leeds, the workshop will raise the profile of the role of history within disability studies.