Differences and Similarities in Disability in Europe - Article Example

 Differences and Similarities in Disability in Europe Introduction: On May 5, 1949, the Council of Europe was established by ten European countries. The main purpose of the council was to promote greater unity between its members (Strasbourg l'europeenne, 2010). When number of member states wish to engage in some action and the action is not desired by all the members, a Partial Argument is concluded which only binds the states interested to work toward it (Council of Europe, 2002). In 1959, a similar agreement was held between seven member states. The Partial Agreement was in the Social and Public Health field with the “aim of continuing the work in this field previously undertaken the Brussels Treaty and then by the Western European Union (WEU)” (Council of Europe, 2002). Currently the number of members is eighteen of which seven states are the observers in the field of integration of people with disabilities (Council of Europe, 2002). The main activities of these states include: protection of public health, particularly consumer health and rehabilitation and integration of people with disabilities (Council of Europe, 2002). The mission statement of the council is “Persons with disabilities have the right to independence, social integration, and participation in the life of the community” (Boltho, 2010). It is obvious from this statement that the council has given much importance to people with disability and are determined to protect their rights and make sure they are tearted equally as citizens and are given equal rights. Although progress has been made in this area, people with disabilities are stilll facing problems and are struggling to get equal opportunites in their respective communities. There is still a very low level of education and vocational training, high unemployment rates, low income, social exclusion and many other issues which people with diabilities in Europe are facing today (Boltho, 2010). This paper will discuss the similarities and differences in disability and social care provision in England and Sweden. The paper will explore different problems in both countries and evaluate them based on the differences an similarities between them. Understanding disability and its importance: It is important to understand disability and people who are disabled before any evaluation is done so that the criterea on which people with diability are assessed is clear. It is very difficult to classify people with disability mainly because of the manifestations of the disability and the way the disability has been studied by doctors (Jaeger & Bowman, 2005). It is estimated that there are nearly 80 million people with diabilities in Europe (Council of Europe, 2002). People with disabilities have often been classified as outsiders in all cultures having their own particular criteria of classification (Jaeger & Bowman, 2005). The rights of the diabled have long been abused. Back in 1930’s and 1940’s, more than 200,000 people with disabilities were murdered in Europe alone (Jaeger & Bowman, 2005). The historical evidence showing the abuse of the disabled makes it even more important to recognize these people and help them get equal rights and opportunites to which they are entitled. A dsiabled person may be defined as “any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such impairment; or is regarded as having such a impairment” (Department of Housing and Urban Develoment, 2006). People with disabilities are treated differently in different countires and face their own diferent individual problems. This paper will explore the situation in England and Sweden in particular. Situation in England: A lot has been done in England to protect the rights of people with diabilities and support them. Diability Discrimination Act came into effect in 1995, which promotes civil rights for diabled people and protects them from any kind of discrimination (Directgov, 2010). The disabled individuals in England can claim many different benefits and tax credits depending on their situation. These benefits include Diability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Career’s Allowance etc (Citizens Advice Bureau, 2010). Workign Tax Credit is given in addition to benefits for the extra costs of (Citizens Advice Bureau, 2010). Situation in Sweden: Sweden too has taken many steps to accommodate people with disabilities. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights recognized the rights of a person with disabilities in Article 26 and states that the disabled is to “benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence, social, and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community (Public Health Patrol of European Union, 2010). Many organizations have been developed in Sweden to ensure these rights to the respective citizens. These organizations include Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, The Swedish Council on Technology Assessment and Health Care, National Board or Health and Welfare, Centre for Epidemiology, National Board of Health and Welfare etc (Public Health Patrol of European Union, 2010). People Experiencing Mental Ill-Health: Children and young people with disabilities not only face social and cultural barriers but often are abused. When disabled children and young adults are abused they are often given less support than other people and are debarred from effective means of escape (Brown & Europe, 2003). About 6 percent of the working population was on disability benefits in 2007 in OECD countries (OECD, 2009). There was a significant decline in the rate since 1990 in Finland and Netherlands while a marked increase was seen in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Norway (OECD, 2009). Both, Sweden and England, have long-term benefits such as disability pension or allowance for people who become disabled during work life (Council of Europe, 2002). About one-third of the disability benefits are represented by mental and psychological problems in OECD countries (OECD, 2009). Similarities and differences in Disability in England and Sweden: Statistics: About two percent of the total population of England suffers from a learning disability of which 55,000-75,000 of them are children with moderate or severe learning (Foundation for people with Learning Diability, 2007). It is estimated that 210,000 people have a severe and profound learning disability in England of which 65,000 are children and young adults and 250,000 older people (Foundation for people with Learning Diability, 2007). In England only twenty percent of adults with learning disability are known to learning disability services (Foundation for people with Learning Diability, 2007). The term mental handicap was used before the term learning disability was introduced in England in 1991 (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2004). The ratio is much higher in Sweden in comparison. About 15.7 percent (919,000) of the total population in the age group of 16-65 has a disability of which 47.3 percent are male (The Swedish Institute for Disability, 2010). Mobility is the most common form of impairment which makes up for 31.9 percent of the total population with a disability. Other common forms of impairment include Allergy (20.2%) and Mental Disability (9.3 (The Swedish Institute for Disability, 2010). Because of these alarming statistics, Sweden has developed many national laws, policies and strategies to support people with disabilities. Over the years Sweden has passed four Acts “prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of disability” (The Swedish Institute for Disability, 2010). In addition, a Bill was passed by the parliament on May 31, 2009, stating the objectives of the disability policy encouraging people with impairment to participate in the community life (The Swedish Institute for Disability, 2010). Organizations: England has taken many steps to improve social care provisions for people who experience mental ill-health within the state. The establishment of National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is one of the main organizations dedicated to people with disabilities. It was established in April 1999 to provide national guidance on the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatments and care for people using their services in England (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). Though it is a small organization consisting of only 90 members it deals with works of professional, specialist, and patient organizations (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). The organization also works with local trusts and clinical governance professional to make sure that the required support is given to those who are responsible for implementing its guidance (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). Similarly, Sweden has developed institutes to assist people with disability. The institutes include Centre for Epidemiology, National Board of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care etc (Health-EU, 2010). Disability Insurance in Sweden is a part of national pension program and is run by a national board that is supervised by individuals who are politically responsible for the social security system making the subject of parliamentary concern (Thomason, Burton, & Hyatt, 1998). In addition, there is also a national organization in Sweden which represents the people at the European level known as the Swedish Disability Federation which consists of 43 national disability organizations having 500,000 individual members (The Swedish Institute for Disability, 2010). Aims and objectives: It is estimated that the number of adults with a learning disability in England is likely to increase by 11% in 2021, increasing the number of people with learning disability in England aged 15 and above to over a million (Foundation for people with Learning Diability, 2007). Therefore, mental health is one of government’s top priorities and much guidance has been given in this regard. NICE was developed to make sure that the National Service Framework for Mental Health is implemented in England (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). Following are the main objectives of the organization: To speed the uptake by the National Health Services (NHS) of interventions that are clinically effective and cost-effective (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). To encourage more equitable access to healthcare (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). To provide better and more rational use of available resources by focusing the provision of healthcare on the most cost-effective interventions (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). To encourage the creation of new and innovative technologies (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). Similar objectives were adopted by the Office of the Disability Ombudsman in Sweden when it was established in 1994 (Jones & Marks, 1999). It is a governmental organization and its main task is to safeguard the rights and interests of persons with disabilities to encourage their full participation in the community life and promote equality of living conditions with reference to the policy aims (Jones & Marks, 1999). But there has been a shift in the policy since 2000 and more broad based solutions have been introduced (The Swedish Institute, 2010). Following are the main concerns of the Swedish disability policy: Identifying and removing obstacles to full participation and full equality in society (The Swedish Institute, 2010). Preventing and fighting discrimination (The Swedish Institute, 2010). Promoting equality between disabled girls and boys, women and men (The Swedish Institute, 2010). Studies have shown that one in 1000 of the general population in England has a learning disability and will need specialist health services at some point and 40 percent of these individuals will develop a significant psychiatric disorder (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2004). Similarly the number of people with disabilities is likely to increase in future which will automatically increase the burden on the responsible organizations in the coming years (Houtman, 2005). To facilitate individuals with disabilities in England, NICE has given clinical guidelines to provide recommendations for healthcare professionals to help them manage people with a specific disease or condition (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). NICE and NCCs make sure that these guidelines are implemented and provide help to support implementations through professional organizations, patient groups, and other organizations (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). The organization is determined to achieve the goal of ensuring the effected individuals that the programs offered are fully integrated and has “national evidence based standards of clinical practice that cover all aspects of care, from prevention through to palliation” (James, Kendall, & Worrall, 2005). Similar actions have been taken in Sweden by organizations belonging to the Swedish Disability Federation and have been influencing policymaking in Sweden for about 50 years (The Swedish Institute, 2010). Like NICE and NCCs, organizations under Swedish Disability Federation make sure that there is no discrimination on the grounds of disbility. Much progress has been made to make sure that these individuals are comfortable in their respective communities. Some of the areas of concern of these organizations include equality in education, jobs, personal assistance, best access in the world etc (The Swedish Institute, 2010). Service Provider: In England, there are different departments dealing with different services. Department of work and pensions is responsible for the payment of pensions and allowance, the HM Revenue and Customs take care of Working Tax Credit etc (Citizens Advice Bureau, 2010). These institutions are run by the government both locally and nationally. Similarly in Sweden, government is responsible for providing most of the services to people with disabilities. The needed appliances and aids are provided by the local health authorities run by the national government (The Swedish Institute for Disability, 2010). Delivery of services: Both the countries work in their individual manner when it comes to deliverance of services to people with disability. Different organizations are developed to provide different kinds of services. In England, there are many benefits that people with disability can claim and are able to get national insurance credits (Citizens Advice Bureau, 2010). Along with these benefits, individuals may also receive cheaper public transport, parking concessions, and help with care locally (Citizens Advice Bureau, 2010). Services delivered in Sweden are similar. The most important disability benefits in Sweden include Disability pension, Disability Allowance, Wage subsidy, Rehabilitation etc (The Swedish Institute for Disability, 2010). Funding and Organization: In England, the social care is funded through central government funds allocated to the local council, council tax revenues, contributions by individuals, and independently arranged services (The King's Fund, 2009). The organization of funds is very complex in England because of the large number of funding streams and separate assessment process even though the goal of these funding streams is similar, i.e. to provide care and support and to promote independence (The King's Fund, 2009). In Sweden, there are budget allocations for people with disability (World Health Organization, 2005). From the total health budget in Sweden, 11 per cent is spent on mental health alone and has disability benefits for people who have mental ill-health (World Health Organization, 2005). According to Swedish Disability Act and Assistance Compensation Act, equal benefits are to be provided to people with physical and/or mental disability (World Health Organization, 2005). The funding is similar in both the countries. Funds are raised by governments as well as independent organizations. The governments of England and Sweden have organized themselves and public support. The governments have specific national responsibilities such as providing equal education, health care, and employment (The Swedish Institute, 2010). The local municipalities for social services in their respective localities and people are encouraged to communicate and provide support through these municipalities (The Swedish Institute, 2010). The delivery of services is both local and national. Local organizations are established to provide support locally and these organizations are managed nationally. European Union Council Directive and ECHR The European Union Council Directives were established in 2000 which gave a general framework for equal treatment (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2003). According to the Directive, all fifteen EU countries are required to introduce legislation “prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination at work on the grounds of age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, and disability (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2003). According to the findings of EU, disability affects 17 per cent of the Europe’s population of which 15 per cent is the working population (Helen Meenan, 2007). An action plan was issued by the European Union in 2003, proposing more intensified efforts toward co-ordination the rights-based approach to disability known as Equal Opportunities for people with Disabilities: a European Action Plan (Helen Meenan, 2007). According to the European Convention on Human Rights additional protocol no. 12, “no one shall be discriminated against by any public authority on any ground” (European Convention on Human Rights, 2010). This article strictly prohibits all European member countries to discriminate but the article can only be used in combination with one of the other convention rights (European Convention on Human Rights, 2010). Although the UK government agrees with the ECHR’s decision to contain a provision against discrimination they feel that they are unable to accept the final text of the protocol (European Convention on Human Rights, 2010). The protocol was received very positively by all the European countries since it brings forward “the prospect of substantial right to equality within the framework of the European Convention on Human Rights” (European Convention on Human Rights, 2010). Effects of Recession on Disabled People: People with disabilities, mental or physical, in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in England, have the lowest employment rate. Although there has been a considerable increase of 6.5 per cent from 41.2 per cent in 1999 to 47.7 per cent in 2008, the employment rate has declined as a result of recession, increasing the unemployment rate to 9.5 per cent (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2009). The unemployment rate of people with disabilities in Sweden is 7 per cent which is lower in comparison with England (CBC, 2009). The reason for less people being affected in Sweden by recession is generally associated to the system of generous cash benefits which are provided to people with disabilities who are in need (CBC, 2009). Since Sweden uses both generous disability compensation system and a strong integration policy, less disabled people are affected by recession (CBC, 2009). Conclusion: The rights of people with disabilities are protected by European Union and all the member countries are required to abide by it. Both England and Sweden has made many efforts to protect these rights constitutionally in their respective countries. These countries are more similar than different in doing so. Both the countries have passed laws to eradicate discrimination on the ground of disability. Both have provided pensions and allowances to financially support these individuals. Both have independent organizations as well as organizations run by the state to assure the practice of the rights granted to people with disability. Sweden, however, has managed to be somewhat more successful than England in providing support to these individuals. Although government of England has introduced many benefits, the employment rate of Sweden is more satisfactory. Even though the legislation specifically protecting people with disabilities was replaced by a more general discrimination policy prohibiting discrimination on any ground from disability to gender, it has maintained good support for people with disability. References Boltho, V. (2010). Presentation. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from http://www.coe.int/t/e/social_cohesion/soc-sp/integration/01_mission_statement/presentation.asp#TopOfPage Brown, H., & Europe, C. o. (2003). Safeguarding adults and children with disabilities against abuse, Volume 1. Council of Europe Publishing. CBC. (2009, September). Income of Poeple with Disabilities. Retrieved June 28, 2010, from http://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/details/society/disabled-income.aspx Citizens Advice Bureau. (2010). Benefits for people who are sick or disabled. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/benefits/benefits_for_people_who_are_sick_or_disabled.htm#what_help_is_available Council of Europe. (2002). Assessing Disability in Europe - Similarities and Differences. Strasbourg: Council of Europe. Department of Housing and Urban Develoment. (2006, Nay 25). People with Disabilities. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/disabilities/inhousing.cfm Directgov. (2010). The Disability Discrimination Act. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/DisabilityRights/DG_4001068 Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2009). Monitoring the impact of the recession on various demographic groups. London: Government Equaliies office. European Convention on Human Rights. (2010). The European Convention on Human Rights and the Additional Protocol no 12. Retrieved June 28, 2010, from http://www.justice.org.uk/images/pdfs/adprot.art.06.pdf Foundation for people with Learning Diability. (2007). Statistics on Learning Disabilities. Retrieved une 26, 2010, from http://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/information/learning-disabilities-statistics/ Health-EU. (2010, April 29). Mental Health. Retrieved June 27, 2010, from Health EU: http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/health_problems/mental_health/ms_se_en.htm Helen Meenan. (2007). Equality Law in an Enlarged European Union. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Houtman, I. (2005). Mental Disorder as a Major Challenge in Prevention of Work Disability. Helsinki: The Social Insurance Institution. Jaeger, P. T., & Bowman, C. A. (2005). Understanding disability: inclusion, access, diversity, and civil rights. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. James, A. J., Kendall, T., & Worrall, A. (2005). Clinical governance in mental health and learning disability services. London: Balogh International Inc. Jones, M., & Marks, L. A. (1999). Disability, divers-ability, and legal change. Hague: Martinus Nijoff Publishers. OECD. (2009). OECD Employment Outlook 2009: Tracking the Jobs Crisis. OECD Publishing. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2003). Sweden. Denver: OECD. Public Health Patrol of European Union. (2010, April 04). People with Disabilities. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/my_health/people_with_disabilities/ms_se_en.htm Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2004, September). Psychiatric services for children and adolescents with learning disabilities. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/files/pdfversion/cr123.pdf Strasbourg l'europeenne. (2010). European Institutions in Strasbourg. Retrieved June 26, 2010, from Strasbourg l'europeenne: http://en.strasbourg-europe.eu/history,127,en.html The King's Fund. (2009). Funding Adult Social Care in England. London: The King's Fund. The Swedish Institute for Disability. (2010). ANED - Sweden. Retrieved June 27, 2010, from http://www.disability-europe.net/en/countries/Sweden?jsEnabled=1 The Swedish Institute. (2010). Swedish Disability Policy. Retrieved June 28, 2010, from http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Society/Accessibility/22023/Swedish-disability-policy-Dignity-and-democracy/ Thomason, T., Burton, J. F., & Hyatt, D. (1998). New Approaches to Disability in the Workplace. Madison: Industrial Relations Research Association. World Health Organization. (2005). Mental health atlas 2005. Geneva: World Health Organization Publishing data. Read More