An International Perspective on Disability Social Policy

Abstract

Abstract Disability has been a constant throughout human history; however, responses to disability vary greatly across time and social context. Modern international momentum to standardize certain baseline policies under human-rights principles are underway, but nation-level differences in disability policy and implementation are still the rule, rather than the exception. The philosophy underpinning policy development as well as resulting mechanisms can contribute to a stigmatizing and patronizing picture of people with disabilities and their ability to determine their own destinies and meaningfully contribute to society. This chapter provides a global overview of the development, structure, and function of disability policy across societies, focusing on select commonalities in the development of targeted disability policies, as well as challenges and future directions. The chapter emphasizes the development and interrelationship of core concepts in disability policy that have emerged in national contexts around the globe, such as disability benefits programs, disability employment efforts and services, nondiscrimination frameworks, and independent living and healthcare security. Many differ in practice and implementation, but also have important similarities worth highlighting. The chapter describes how policies have been shaped across different national contexts, and the ways in which social and cultural context influence philosophy and design. Differences in policy development and implementation for nations based on important factors, such as cultural attitudes, income level, and level of industrialization, are highlighted.