Overview of Law and Guidelines

Abstract

Throughout history, disability law and public policy have reflected the norms of the many governments of the world and the varying socioeconomic environments. But one common thread in many societies has been the tendency to isolate and segregate persons with disabilities because of ignorance, neglect, superstition, or fear. Within this social environ- ment, disability policy has evolved from the early social welfare approach, under the medical model of institutional care, to rehabilitation and education.