Where do we Stand on Disability? European and Romanian Policy Developments Regarding the Inclusion and Protection of Disabled Persons, Over the Last Quarter of Century

The current paper presents an overview of the policy developments on the topic of social inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities at EU level and Romania, over the last quarter of century. The first chapter highlights the most important legislative progress and measures sustained within the EU over the last 20 years, as a result of the adoption of the social model in approaching disability. The chapter is concluded with a discussion about the current challenges faced in the effort of formulating a harmonized policy on disability, in European Union. The second chapter draws a time-line which emphasizes the most significant steps in the creation and development of the Romanian system of inclusion and protection of disabled. Particular attention is given to the accomplishments achieved within the last 25 years, with a short discussion and exemplification of the encountered drawbacks also. The chapter is concluded with remarks on the compatibility between what was supposed to be the Romanian Strategy for Disabled 2014-2020 (but did not managed to get the public support for being adopted) and the broader European context it is supposed to fit (the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020).

Keywords: disability, social inclusion of disabled persons, policy developments in Europe and Romania, Romanian Strategy for Disabled 2014-2020