Disability and vulnerable groups : the work conducted within the realms of the public administration

Abstract

Public Administration should have at its heart the improvement of the lives of the people whom it serves. This is especially important in the area of disability, where attitudes have moved towards a more rights-based approach, rather than a charity model. This means that the Public Administration is tasked with ensuring that the rights of persons with disability are protected, they are given adequate resources, and effective support services. This is achieved mainly through legislation and policy formation, of which there is plenty. The crucial part however is that persons with disability are not seen as passive recipients of supportive legislation and policy , but are fully engaged in its formulation. This article will review the legislation and policy related to the disability sector since the beginning of this millennium, showing how Governments have adapted to the change in attitudes towards persons with disability in relation to their rights.