Abstract:
This is an essay about the literature from the field of disability studies. It analyses rehabilitation ideologies and practices that contribute to the systematic oppression of people with disabilities. The criticism coming from disability studies points to conflicts of interest between rehabilitation professionals and people with disabilities, power disparities in clinical decision-making, ableist biases in care processes, and the invisibility of these issues in professional training. Although there is great interest among professionals in moving on from outdated models of functioning and adopting the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, its uncritical use may result in empty discourse with limited practical improvement. To avoid that, some concrete options for change in practice and education of physical and occupational therapy are analyzed. The first step is guaranteeing access of people with disabilities to university education. Academic research not only about but by people with disabilities will bring great advances. Educational interventions to improve attitudes and behaviors of students and professors towards people with disabilities can also produce sensible change. Additionally, client centered practice directed to increasing participation of people with disabilities is needed. Social criticism demands that rehabilitation expand its focus from satisfying needs to combating oppression. Rehabilitation needs constitute a practice for advancing human rights and social justice together with people with disabilities.
Keywords:
Rehabilitation; International Classification of Functioning; Disability and Health; Social Participation; Human Rights