Disability policy in practice

The User PerspectiveLars Surrow

The LEV National Association

Principles of Danish disability policyo One legislation covering the area –

no special legislationo Principle of Solidarityo Principle of Compensationo Principle of Responsibility of the

sectoro Principle of Division of Tasks o Principle of Access to appeal

Principle of Solidarity

o Everybody has the responsibility for the individual.

o Access to the necessary services and benefits when needed.

o Services and benefits are financed by the public authorities.

The principle of compensationPersons with disabilities should as far as possible be compensated for the impact of their disability and thus be given the same opportunities as other citizens. The starting point is that compensation needs varies from person to person and from disability to disability.

The principle of the Responsibility of the sectorThe section of the public sector offering a certain service or benefit to the Danish citizens are responsible for ensuring the same service or benefit are also accessible to people with disabilities. The tasks should be solved in the sector where they belong and not placed in a particular sector for example the social sector.

The principle of division of tasks o The duties must be performed as

closely to the citizen as possible in a coherent and co-ordinated manner.

o Special needs and appropriate solutions to specific tasks that are too complicated to be solved in small units must be met.

Principle of Access to appeal

o A decision must be reviewed by a second body.

o As a rule there can only be one possibility for appeal but cases of general or principle nature must be reviewed by a third and final instance or body of appeal.