07/04/2026

CSCA 2027 ... Disability and Neurodiversity Caucus Call for Papers

DISABILITY AND NEURODIVERSITY CAUCUS
Call for Papers and Proposals

Central States Communication Association (CSCA) Annual Convention

Madison, WI

April 7^th -11^th, 2027

Navigate–Finding Inspiration in Uncharted Terrain

The Disability and Neurodiversity Caucus serves as an inclusive and affirming space for scholars who identify as disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill, or otherwise living with embodied or cognitive difference. This caucus provides a community for allies and researchers committed to studying, advocating for, and enacting justice for disabled and neurodivergent individuals in and beyond academia. Aligned with CSCA’s mission of fostering inclusive dialogue and promoting equity, this caucus offers an essential space for connection and scholarship amid increasing political attacks on disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill people. 

We seek papers and proposals addressing key issues facing our community from any sub-disciplinary area. Any scholarship that directly engages disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, or other aspects of daily life relevant to our community is welcome (e.g., Health Communication, Interpersonal Studies, Media/Cultural Studies, Rhetorical Analysis, Political Advocacy, Social Justice Work, Community Intervention Work, Organizational and Institutional work addressing policies/structures that impact our community, etc.). Papers and panels should conform to CSCA’s guidelines for submission. In addition to our general call, the caucus will also be organizing a series of spotlight panels related to disability and neurodiversity. Any questions about submissions or inquiries about participating in a panel should be directed to the conference planner, Michaela DE Meyer at mmeyer@cnu.edu.

Guidelines for Submissions

• Papers: Papers should include a title and a brief abstract.
• Graduate students should type “STUDENT” on the upper right-hand corner of the title page.
• If the paper will be a graduate student debut, please type “DEBUT STUDENT” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page.
  • To be considered a graduate student debut paper
    • the author must be a graduate student
    • the paper must have single authorship, and
    • the paper must be the author’s first paper to be presented at CSCA.
  • If you would like your paper to be considered for the Inclusive Scholarship Award, type “INCLUSIVE SCHOLARSHIP” in the upper right-hand corner of the title page.
    • To be considered as an exemplar of inclusive scholarship, the paper must demonstrate academic rigor in the examination of communication and historically marginalized communities/populations.
    • If you would like to be considered for this award, please clearly articulate, in at least one paragraph in your abstract, how the respective scholarship explicitly addresses equity and inclusion.
    • Additionally, be sure to select the Inclusive Scholarship option when you submit your paper.
  • Panels: Panel submissions should include a panel rationale (maximum 500 words) and a brief abstract for the conference program (maximum 75 words), and should identify a Chair, Respondent, and panelists, along with institutional affiliations. Strong preference will be given to submissions with panelists from multiple institutions.

Technology Requests: Requests must be made at the time of submission.

Submission Deadline: Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM, CDT, October 9, 2026. Send submissions electronically through our CSCA online submission system site.