Introduction: Reframing Female (Dis)abilities

The initial definition of “disability” leads to a historical overview of the marginalization of these persons with disabilities in society. In the nineteenth century, this devalued state changed with the rise of political activism. Further, these concerns not only prompted social change, but also led to the emergence of disability studies. This interdisciplinary domain has cultivated a number of distinct methods with which to approach the field including medical, social, phenomenological, and cultural models. All of these, furthering a deeper understanding of this complex field, influenced the humanities and in particular, the analysis of English and Spanish cultural productions.