Bone and joint diseases around the world. Arthritis--the greatest health, disability, and civil rights challenge: a UK and international perspective.
The Bone and Joint Decade provides the opportunity for arthritis to be put firmly on political agendas worldwide. Greater political priority is crucial for everybody with arthritis, no matter where they live. People are "patients" for part of their lives, and people all the time, bringing to attention the need to address issues such as social exclusion, access to services, and negative attitudes and practices in society. The term "disability" is not synonymous with "inability," and should be embraced by people with arthritis. As a concept the term can be empowering to individuals, bonding those who face similar problems, including social exclusion and discrimination. When it is stripped of negative connotations, disability can also offer a positive identity. In the UK, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was the product of 25 years of campaigning by people who strongly believed that such discrimination should be illegal. The Act is not perfect and important parts have still to be implemented, but it exists as a resource for people with arthritis who may face discrimination. Only a minority of nations have disability discrimination legislation. Law alone will not end discrimination. If people with arthritis do not identify with being disabled then many people who meet the legal definition will continue to face unnecessary discrimination daily. A moral responsibility exists to help make the term one that attracts rather than deters those whom we seek to represent.
Betteridge
Neil
N
Arthritis Care, London, UK. neilb@arthritiscare.org.uk
D001168:Arthritis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002961:Civil Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000193:education* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D011287:Prejudice; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom