The European Disability Forum (EDF) has published a position paper on “Health, Rehabilitation and Habilitation of People Living with Disabilities”, advocating for improved access to high-quality services across the EU. The paper outlines the current context of international legal frameworks and existing challenges, as well as including recommendations for EU and national authorities. The key points within the documents include:
• Defining Rehabilitation and Habilitation: Rehabilitation helps individuals regain lost functions, while habilitation supports those with early-life disabilities in developing skills for independence both including medical, non-medical, and assistive technology interventions
• Legal Frameworks: The UNCRPD guarantees the right to rehabilitation, stressing early, voluntary, and community-based approaches. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Rehabilitation 2030 initiative further underscores its global importance
• Barriers: Challenges include inaccessible facilities and transport, high costs, service shortages, lack of qualified professionals and issues of informed consent
• Current EU Actions: While the EU lacks a dedicated rehabilitation policy, various social inclusion programs address related issues, however, access remains inconsistent across Member States
• Recommendations: The EU and Member States must take decisive action to ensure equal, affordable and quality rehabilitation and habilitation services for all persons with disabilities.
The position paper is available at: https://www.edf-feph.org/publications/health-rehabilitation-and-habilitation-of-persons-with-disabilities/
