Transforming disability into ability : policies to promote work and income security for disabled people

How OECD countries can reconcile the two potentially contradictory goals of disability policy has yet to be resolved. One goal is to ensure that disabled citizens are not excluded from society; that they are encouraged and empowered to participate as fully as possible in economic and social life, and in particular to engage in gainful employment. The other goal is to ensure that those who are disabled have income security; that they are not denied the means to live decently because of disabilities which may restrict their earning potential. This book provides a systematic analysis of a wide array of labor market and social protection programs aimed at people with disabilities. Analyzing the relationship between policies and outcomes across twenty OECD countries, it gives the reader a better understanding of the dilemmas and successes of disability policy. The report concludes that a promising new disability policy approach should move closer to the philosophy of unemployment programs by: emphasizing activation, promoting tailored early intervention, removing disincentives to work, introducing a culture of mutual obligations, and involving employers. The book demonstrates that many countries' policies already include some elements, which are important components in such a new approach.