Records the findings of a survey on health and social legislation for the disabled caried out in 25 European countries. Concentrating on new legislation introduced since 1981, the International Year of Disabled Persons, the book documents a number of advances in social policies for the disabled, including substantial legislation promoting health and social welfare as well as a growing awareness of the human rights issues behind the administration of these laws. The book opens with an overview of findings from the survey, highlighting the positive development experienced, the constraints met, and the further work needed. The core of the publication consists of detailed reports from each of the 25 European countries included in the survey. To facilitate intercountry comparisons, country reports follow a common framework, beginning with sections showing how the rights of the disabled are recognized in various national policy declarations and instruments, how the country participates in international initiatives in the field of disability, and how various disability issues have been addressed in specific laws. Measures supported by legislation include incentives for employers to hire the disabled, grants for the disabled to adapt their homes, and support for education and vocational training. Each country report also includes evaluative sections assessing the extent to which legislation has been successful in eliminating discrimination or social prejudice against the disabled, facilitating social reintegration and full participation, preventing disability, and ensuring a system of income support for the disabled. The instructive value of the reports is further enhanced through the inclusion of examples of both successes and difficulties encountered in these highly diversified efforts to use legislation as an instrument for improving the lives of the disabled.

EURO

eng.

ita.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

EUR/ICP/HLE/113

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