Arising from disability rights activism that developed in western countries in the 1960s and 1970s, the disability arts and culture movement challenged contemporary attitudes on the presentation of and involvement of disabled people in artistic and cultural media. Proponents of the movement critiqued the use of stereotypes and depiction of disabilities as metaphors and argued for larger inclusion of disabled people in the creation of the arts. Originating in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s, the movement has since become international in scope.

Disability theater has emerged as a part of the disability arts and culture movement to address disability and its treatment in theater from the past into the present. Issues and topics that scholars and professionals in the field have debated include casting decisions for actors and characters with disabilities, how disability is performed onstage, the experiences disabled professionals have in their personal lives and pursuing careers in theater, and accessibility for disabled employees and audience members alike.

Over the past few decades, disability arts communities have sought ways to connect and collaborate. These include building coalitions, hosting conferences, and attending national and international disability arts festivals. Disability theater companies have been active throughout the world since the twentieth century. Such companies have included the National Theatre of the Deaf, Back to Back Theatre, Phamaly Theatre Company, and the Graeae Theatre Company.