Raising Awareness for Disability: Can Disability Be Mainstreamed in Development?

Abstract: In the broader context of an increasing awareness of perspectives that for long have been a taboo in development thinking, such as ecology and gender questions, this study focuses on the subject of disability in development. By raising the question if disability can be mainstreamed the subject of disability will be compared with what can be learned from gender-mainstreaming. Conducted as a critical discourse analysis, this study examines discourses of disability, especially the social model of disability. The results aim at strengthening the inclusiveness of policy approaches by advocating a multiperspective approach to development in general and preparing the inclusion of the needs of disability in development especially.