A View of Policies for Persons with Disabilities as a Physiatrist

Kim, Yoon Tae

Abstract

There is a large and growing number of persons with disabilities today. In most countries, at least one person out of 10 is disabled by impairment, and at least 25 percent of any population is adversely affected by the presence of disability. They are entitled to the same rights as all other human beings and to equal opportunities. Full participation and equality of disabled person means opportunities equal to those of the whole population and an equal share in the improvement in living conditions resulting from social and economic development. The ultimate responsibility for dealing with the consequences of disability rests with Governments. Governments must ensure that people who are made dependent by severe disability have an opportunity to achieve a standard living equal to that of their citizens. Non-government organizations can assist Governments by formulating needs, suggesting suitable solutions and providing services complementary to those provided by Governments. This article looks into the current position of the policies for persons with disabilities in our society and reviews the main tasks of disability policies including social, employment, educational and medical security, and the social integration. Especially, as a physiatrist, the policy tasks of medical security for the disabled persons is emphasized.