ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the main results and conclusions of the first comprehensive analysis of disability policies for the working-age populations in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It includes some interesting facts and numbers about disability in OECD countries. The chapter also includes the policy conclusions and proposes a radically new approach to disability, which places employment, rather than income support, at the heart of disability policy. The new approach has five key features: recognises the status of disability independent of the work and income situation; emphasises activation; proposes a new structure for benefit systems; introduces a culture of mutual obligations; and gives a more important role to employers. The OECD study yielded a disheartening message for policymakers: different policy approaches by different countries had little or no effect on outcomes. More persons with disabilities should be able to re-enter the labour market after having been given proper rehabilitation and training.
