Disability and Lifelong Design

The contribution discusses the concept of a life project of people with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of lifelong planning and integrated care to support individuals in achieving maximum participation and fulfillment in their lives. The life project involves collaboration among the person with a disability, their family, services, the third sector, and the community to promote the individual’s growth and self-fulfillment. It is crucial to emphasize in this process the need for imagination and planning in the design process, which requires a dynamic approach that combines creativity with systematic organization and rational use of resources. The text outlines the theoretical frameworks guiding the life project, including the biopsychosocial model (according to International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health—ICF) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). These frameworks emphasize the interaction between the person and his/her environment, advocating for a shift from a medical model to a human-centered approach that focuses on rights and proactive support. The key elements for successful life planning, such as involving the individual and his/her family in the decision-making process, must promote participatory processes of inclusion, fostering collaboration between the family, service providers, and institutions. Additionally, the contribution highlights the role of case managers in supporting and managing the life project through systematic observation, networking, and mediation between different stakeholders. In conclusion, the chapter emphasizes the necessity for integrated, person-centered approaches that prioritize the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities. This involves fostering partnerships between various stakeholders, including families, service providers, and communities, to ensure holistic and sustainable support for individuals with disabilities throughout their lives.