Dyslexic students in english language classes

Disabilities

The EU views a disabled person as someone with a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. How the disabled individual is treated usually falls into one of two categories – the “medical model” or the “social model”. The World Health Organization (WHO) writes about disabilities that are medically-based, meaning the individual is seen as limited by their impairment, that it is the individual who needs “fixing” with the aid of “rehabilitation” services, and eligibility entitlements should be based on severity. In contrast, the social model, adopted widely across Europe, suggests that the individual can be catered for within society through accommodations necessary to carry out life activities. These accommodations are about the removal of barriers in society, providing support through assistive technology and support mechanisms, with eligibility for these accommodations seen as a fundamental right, provided by mainstream services.

In considering dyslexia and disabilities, it is necessary to set these issues within the wider context of international proclamations and declarations, some of which are provided below. Note that only the components which are most closely associated with dyslexia are included.

United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Resolution 217 Article 26

“Everyone has the right to education.

Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory.”

Unfortunately, they missed the point – what should be provided is not just education, but appropriate education.

There are a number of statements signed jointly by countries attending world education conferences which need to be considered. It may be argued that they created the foundation of some guiding legislation in various countries.