From Community to Community Practice: The Place of Disability
摘要
This chapter introduces and discusses the linkages between community development and disability, focusing on community in modern democratic societies as the foundation of disability inclusive practice. After a short discussion of the definitions of community and community development, two key assumptions regarding the relationship between community development praxis and democracy are offered and discussed. The assumptions are undermined with the principles and practices of community development and disability inclusion as expressed in several recognized frameworks (such as the IACD ‘s International Standards for Community Development, the Principles of Good Practice by the Community Development Society, the WHO CBR Guidelines or the general principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities). Community development and democratic models mutually support core values and principles of social justice, requiring the involvement of vulnerable or historically marginalized populations. The authors also describe key elements of disability inclusive community development and the positive effects of their implementation on persons with disabilities and communities. Persistent challenges are discussed, pointing at possible gaps in current discourses and practices, inviting the reader to explore specific interfaces between community development and disability inclusion. To conclude, the authors highlight that, while the potential of inclusive community development is generally understood and progress has been made towards disability inclusion, practising truly inclusive community development requires addressing critical systemic and societal challenges. In the current world of “polycrises”, the various practices and approaches that allow for and promote community-oriented development programmes emphasizing democratic ideals will be crucial to promote global human rights frameworks, including disability rights.