Development and (dis)abilities

This chapter explores the rarely elaborated conjunction of development and disabilities and provides answers to the following key questions: 1) Why is it so difficult to operationalize global disability rights in practice? 2) What are the possible global solutions? 3) Why is a critical disability perspective an important alternative? I problematize hitherto predominant approaches to development in which disability is virtually non-existent, limited and/or too narrowly discussed. Compulsory able-bodiedness has been taken for granted. I will argue how a critical disability perspective is a powerful alternative that straight away takes us to the peripherised starting point of inequality in this rationalised, masculined, able-bodied and individualised global society. I first introduce the historical trajectory of the global disability rights discourse along with key disability theories. Next, I examine the challenges related to the operationalisation of global disability rights. Based on these challenges, I discuss the significance of the critical disability perspective for an alternative, sustainable global society for all. I argue that manifold, embodied inequalities and vulnerability are important starting points of analysis across time and space. Finally, I summarise my arguments and conclude that the cross-fertilization of the critical disability perspective with other disintegrated perspectives would be a compelling way forward to radically refine our assumed normality and act accordingly.