ABSTRACT
This chapter serves as one of the emerging bridges between the disability studies and anthropology by highlighting activism as an important aspect of both anthropology and engagement in disability studies. It elaborates how advocacy is conceptualized by those within the cross-disability community, with a focus on the adult participants who came of age before the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the implementation of biomedical policies to support autonomy for those adolescents identifying with disabilities. The chapter explores history of cross-disability activism and legislation in America, context of cross-disability activism in Pittsburgh area, impact of anthropological methods, and the roles of social scientists and individuals who actively participate in activism dialogues. It highlights how anthropology and activism can and must work together to challenge and question what is at the heart of anthropology and whether a division between anthropology and activism makes sense in today’s engaged age.
