Persons with various disabilities

In the Slovenian legal system, the term “invalid” or “disabled person” is predominantly used for individuals with various impairments, disabilities, or handicaps. The definition of the term typically depends on the area regulated by each specific regulation. The issue of defining the terms “invalid” and “disability” has historical, cultural, social, and political dimensions. Disability was initially defined from a medical perspective and later from an economic perspective. In both cases, however, the definitions were based on limitations. In the 1970s, definitions shifted to functional aspects, which considered the consequences of impairment and obstacles, and how these manifest in work and inclusion in the environment. Disability was therefore no longer viewed solely as an individual matter; instead, responsibility was transferred to the state or society. Today’s understanding of disability takes into account the individual needs of persons, as well as shortcomings and obstacles within society. Responsibility is therefore decentralized. With this new understanding of disability, a process of integration has also developed, which, like the concept of disability itself, is understood and implemented differently across countries.

In general, the status of persons with disabilities in Slovenia is well regulated, as Slovenia has adopted regulations and policies in all areas of social life to protect and guarantee their rights. However, there are still many areas that need to be regulated (and especially implemented in practice) so that these rights are protected to the greatest extent possible and persons with disabilities are guaranteed equal inclusion in society. At the IRSSV, we provide professional support to the MDDSZ in formulating more complex responses, opinions, and information regarding the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Slovenia. We also respond to the needs of the Directorate for Persons with Disabilities, particularly in the area of independent, active, and equal inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.

Within the field of persons with various disabilities, we address the following sub-areas:

• The situation of persons with various disabilities
• Financial resources for the implementation of disability policy
• Analyses and expert bases