Disability policies in European countries

Book abstract:

This work draws on six essays reporting and commenting on disability issues in the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland and Sweden. The editors open with an introduction that addresses the history of disability policies and provisions and the challenges that have risen to the fore during recent years. It sketches some similarities across the countries reviewed and hints at possible increased convergence within the EU if Member States agree on a Directive along the lines of a proposal put forward by the Commission.

The Netherlands and the Scandinavian countries are considered as leaders in the field of disability policies and provisions. The emergence and continued development of 'the social model' with increased involvement of organisations representing disabled people negotiating improvements in policies is offered as the best way forward. Reference is made to the American experience and the emphasis placed upon equal rights legislation but it is argued that deeper influence and more effective action might be achieved through the corporatist structures of representative bodies as seen in Denmark.

The work will interest scholars, students, activists, policy researchers and makers in the field of disabilities issues.

Wim van Oorschot is Associate Professor of Sociology, Tilburg University, The Netherlands. Bjørn Hvinden is Professor of Sociology, Dept. of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.