For the handicapped, rights but no welcome

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Disability Studies
• Ethics

Background:

• The concept of rights, defined as legally enforceable claims, has expanded significantly.
• However, the effectiveness of rights-based approaches in achieving substantive improvements for all groups is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the limitations of relying solely on legal rights for societal progress.
• To identify alternative or complementary strategies for improving the well-being of marginalized groups, specifically individuals with disabilities.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of legal rights and social change.
• Ethical argumentation focusing on moral suasion and societal attitudes.

Main Results:

• The multiplication of legally enforceable rights has inherent limitations in driving social improvement.
• Attitudinal shifts within the non-disabled majority are crucial for enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Conclusions:

• Legal rights are not sufficient for comprehensive societal inclusion and support.
• Appeals to conscience and goodwill are essential for fostering positive societal attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.