Disability, occupation, and human rights in the Nordic context

Abstract

ABSTRACT Adopting a relational and critical perspective on disability requires greater emphasis on how external factors, such as socio-political factors and ableist attitudes, influence and situate people’s occupations. The increasing emphasis now given to diversity and equity has led to greater research focus on scrutinizing social and systems barriers to inclusion. From research conducted in the Nordic context, disabling barriers at the systems level that restrict people’s participation in valued occupations, such as policies and service implementation, will be reflected upon. Centred on human rights and the involvement of citizens in various vulnerable situations, an innovative methodology for social inclusiveness will be introduced. The discussion provides insights into the challenges faced by disabled people and highlights the prevalence of ableism in society, underlining the pressing need for systemic change to ensure the fundamental human rights of all people are respected.