Collaboration in disability policies--collaboration between stakeholders of disability policies in the South and in the North.

Abstract

Four studies have been recently undertaken at the Centre for International Child Health on the collaboration between the stakeholders of disability policies, in Southern and Northern countries. Informed by the literature, the authors have explored the roles disabled people's organizations, non-governmental organizations, government and professionals play in the design, provision and evaluation of services for disabled people. They also highlight the different forms participation can take and their most relevant features. The main factors influencing collaboration processes are then classified in three different categories: social factors, ideology-related factors and project-related factors. They are subsequently analysed. The first group encompasses the societal framework in which collaboration may take place, while the identity of the stakeholders is reflected in the ideology-related factors. The nature of the activities undertaken by stakeholders is characterized by the third group of factors. In the conclusion it is suggested that stakeholders, and especially disabled people's counterparts, should increase their awareness of the social model of disability, adopt participatory practices and promote participation at higher levels. However, they should acknowledge that it implies more trust between partners and an alteration of their structures.