Institute on Community Integration: 20 years researching, training and leading changes towards inclusion.

Abstract

[EN] Present work provides a general overview of the organization of Disability Studies as a scientific, recognized, and well-defined field of study within Spanish context. Although the starting point in the provision of supports towards individuals with disabilities was mainly conducted in the educational system (it was the main interest of special education), today is clear the necessity of addressing the needs and providing the supports not only within educational system but also in the social and health services. The key concepts regarding the Disability Studies field in Spain are the WHO framework, the positive psychology and the strenghts-based approach regarding the capability of the person and not only their limitations, the personalistic approach that considers the active role of the person, its needs and wanting, the supports paradigm for bridging the gap between personal capabilities and environmental demands, the rights perspective assumed by the United Nations Convention, and the quality of life framework.