Definitions of Rehabilitation in Legislation

Abstract

This article concerns ways in which definitions, terminology and nomenclature in law, legislation, and other statutory documents can be used, and why they should be used, to promote more effective, relevant, and just responses to the needs and the rights of disabled and handicapped persons. Generally received definitions will be reviewed, and attempts will be made to formulate alternatives to them. This paper is not primarily concerned with problems of a handicapped person in court or in the penal system (as offender, defendant, criminal or prisoner), although the situation of a handicapped plaintiff or rightful claimant in civil law and administrative law may be dealt with. It discusses general conditions for entitlement to the provisions of the various welfare sectors (health, labour, education, social work, housing, social security, recreation, sports, culture, etc.), and how to improve their availability. It is the result of experience in the sectors of legislation, administration, policymaking, and social security, especially regarding rehabilitation of the mentally, physically, sensorially, and socially handicapped.