This chapter provides the historiographical context for the study and establishes the aims and scope of the book. It outlines the development and current state of disability history, positioning the volume within this emerging field. It demonstrates the absence, and importance, of a detailed study of sheltered employment—and of Remploy in particular. Highlighting important and enduring aspects of study relating to the British welfare state, it demonstrates how the book will use sheltered employment to consider each area in turn. Finally, it explains the sources and approaches that have framed the study, and provides clarification in terms of concepts and terminology.