Celebrating Excellence in Disability Studies
The Society for Disability Studies (SDS) honors outstanding achievements in scholarship, mentorship, creative practice, and community engagement through its annual SDS Awards.
These awards recognize the broad and evolving contributions that advance Disability Studies as an interdisciplinary and activist field.
Each year, SDS invites nominations from across our global community. Award recipients receive a certificate and letter of recognition presented at the SDS General Membership Meeting in November 2026.
Award Categories
1. Lifetime Achievement Award
Honors a senior member of the Disability Studies community whose sustained work has shaped the field.
Eligibility: Senior scholars and community leaders whose impact includes scholarship, theory, teaching, or institution-building.
Nominations: Must be made by colleagues (self-nominations are not accepted). Letters (of up to four (4) pages) should describe the nominee’s contributions and influence.
2. Mentoring Award
Recognizes exceptional commitment to mentoring students, activists, artists, and practitioners within or beyond academic settings.
Eligibility: Open to any member of the Disability Studies community.
Nominations: Must include at least two nominators. Letters (of up to four (4) pages) should provide examples of the nominee’s mentoring and its outcomes.
3. Senior Book Award
Honors an outstanding single-authored scholarly book published in the past two years by an established scholar.
Eligibility: Authors of scholarly monographs.
Nominations: May be submitted by authors or publishers. Include a letter up to 3 pages describing the book’s contribution to Disability Studies.
Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review.
4. First Book Award
Celebrates an author’s first single-authored book that makes a significant contribution to Disability Studies.
Eligibility: Authors of a debut scholarly monograph published within the last two years.
Nominations: Self-nominations or publisher nominations accepted. Include a 3-page letter describing the book’s innovation and impact.
Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review
5. Edited Collection Award
Recognizes an edited volume that expands the scope and direction of Disability Studies.
Eligibility: Books published within the past two years, including co-edited or revised editions.
Nominations: Self-nominations or publisher nominations accepted. Include a letter up to 3 pages outlining the collection’s contribution and significance.
Submission: Via the SDS Nominations and Awards Form. Electronic copies of books are required for review. Physical copies of books may be requested for review
6. Curatorial or Exhibition Award
Honors curatorial, artistic, or exhibition-based work that advances the visibility of Disability Studies in arts, culture, or public engagement.
Eligibility: Exhibitions or creative projects featuring multiple works; projects do not need to be institutionally framed as Disability Studies.
Nominations: Self-nominations welcome. Include a letter (of up to four (4) pages) describing the project’s scope, accessibility practices, and impact.
7. Most Significant Article in Disability Studies Quarterly (DSQ)
Recognizes an article published in DSQ during the previous calendar year that makes a substantial scholarly contribution.
Eligibility: All authors published in DSQ during the relevant year are automatically considered.
Review: A review committee evaluates eligible articles for innovation, clarity, and contribution to Disability Studies.
8. Most Significant Unpublished Doctoral Researcher Manuscript
Recognizes an exceptional, unpublished article-length manuscript written by a doctoral researcher.
Eligibility: Doctoral researchers only; manuscripts must not be dissertation chapters.
Nominations: Faculty mentors must submit a three (3) page letter of nomination with the manuscript.
Award: The recipient receives mentorship toward submission to Disability Studies Quarterly.
9. Irving K. Zola Emerging Scholar Award
Honors early-career scholars or graduate students whose work reflects the legacy of sociologist Irving K. Zola, emphasizing disability pride, identity, and culture.
Eligibility: Graduate students, early-career scholars, or those within three years post-terminal degree.
Nominations: Self- or mentor-nominated. Include a letter (up to 3 pages) connecting the nominee’s work to Zola’s values, contributions, and vision.
Timeline
- Nominations Open: January 2, 2026
- Nominations Due: March 31, 2026, 11:59pm, Eastern Time (U.S.)
- Award Review Period: Spring–Summer 2026
- Award Announcements: November 2026 SDS General Membership Meeting
How to Nominate
Submit your nomination using the SDS Nominations & Awards Form (link to be opened on December 18, 2025) upon nominations opening.
Select the award category that best fits your nomination and upload the required materials.
All materials, such as nomination letters, manuscripts, or exhibition documentation, should be submitted electronically unless physical copies are requested for book awards.
Questions? Contact the SDS Nominations & Elections Committee at awards@disstudies.org.
Support the Future of SDS Awards
The SDS Awards are currently unfunded. To help sustain and expand these recognitions, including the potential for named or endowed awards, please contact us at awards@disstudies.org to learn how you can support or sponsor an award.