Disability in Europe in Pandemic Time: Theoretical Background ^*

Abstract

Welfare policies for persons with disabilities have been strongly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this introductory chapter provides the theoretical background to the book. Definition, data and main European policies about disabilities are outlined. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is the key pillar of disability policies in European countries. In line with a Disability Studies perspective, COVID-19 health surveillance regime has been a challenge in the implementation process of the UNCRPD, highlighting the role of lay knowledge and community of practices in managing everyday challenges for persons with disabilities and their families, and therefore their potential role in becoming part of epistemic communities to support the policy making and implementation process of the UNCRPD.

Citation

Genova, A., Scavarda, A. and Świątkiewicz-Mośny, M. (2023), "Disability in Europe in Pandemic Time: Theoretical Background ^* ", Genova, A., Scavarda, A. and Świątkiewicz-Mośny, M. (Ed.) Disability Welfare Policy in Europe, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 9-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80382-819-020231003