The Globality of Disability, Human Rights, and Development

Abstract

The study of the global human condition of disability and the relationship with human rights and development has gained increased interest in academic and public policy circles. The change though has been much slower in developing regions, such as the English-speaking Caribbean countries and territories, where there is a paucity of information in this field. This first chapter of Disability and Inequality addresses the definitional understanding of disability as well as the theoretical framework used to conceptualize disability as a public policy issue of importance. Anchored in the theoretical frame, the chapter examines disability as a twinned human rights and development issue. Discussion of the resultant inequality and exclusion of PWDs ensues through a primary focus on the sociocultural environment of disability, as well as the education and labor market situation of PWDs internationally and within Jamaica. Specifically, the negative, positive, and ambivalent attitudes are used to explain the sociocultural construct of disability. Further, education and labor market outcomes of PWDs, international rights-based provisions, and postindependence disability policy and program frameworks are discussed.