Autonomia czy przemoc? Wybrane problemy osób niepełnosprawnych – na podstawie badań przeprowadzonych na terenie województwa śląskiego

Abstract

The paper deals with the perennial, yet extremely topical in pluralistic societies problem of disability. In the discussed subject-matter the need for autonomy and self-revalidation has been emphasized as a goal and way of respecting the rights and ability to choose the way of life by people with different types of disabilities. The literature of the subject points out on one hand to the need for autonomy, relative independence and subjectivity of the disabled, and on the other hand to isolation, intolerance, control, discrimination and violence. Case studies of people with disabilities were examined. Examples of situations where it seems appropriate to restrict the autonomy of persons with disabilities were discussed. The paper addressed also the problem of the disabled who are forced by family or medical personnel to accept offered solutions. The question that remains open is whether it is violence: to force the patients to undergo treatment, the disabled to undergo a reha bilitation, or to stay at home; to manage their goods by third parties.The question arises: how to ensure social integration and equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities in a democratic society.