Introduction

We began this exploration of the relationship between disability, independence and citizenship by speculating on the possible links between employment, living standards and the social and political participation of disabled people of working age. We also sought to discover whether the disability policies adopted by different welfare state regimes were consistent with usual classifications of their welfare provision, and to what extent the different policies adopted in the three countries compared do in fact result in significantly different outcomes for disabled people. This final chapter reviews the evidence.

Comparing outcomes at different stages of the life Cycle

Thinking about the effects of policy in each of the three countries as a whole, these will differ depending on the age of the disabled person, the age at which they became disabled, the extent of their impairment, their gender, and their household situation. Three very typical examples were compared to assess the outcomes of policy in each country. These will now be considered in turn.

Severe disability from birth

The first case considered was that of a young disabled person who has had an impairment since birth and has never had paid employment. He or she has a high level of personal care needs, and is currently living with parents. Statistically, this is very much a minority case. Yet it is an important one, for disabled people in this situation often lose out in the education system, with effects which may influence the whole of their subsequent employment history. The fact that most benefit systems are geared to the needs of workers who have made social insurance contributions also means that this group is particularly susceptible to poverty. However, this situation is more gender-neutral in its effects than where a disability occurs later in working life.

In Britain, benefits for a young disabled person who has never worked are lower than for those who have worked. Although a non-meanstested benefit does exist, this is below the level of social assistance, so this person would also receive social assistance. Non-means-tested benefits are available in respect of personal care and transport needs; these continue to be payable if employment is found. While living at home this person's parents would be assumed to be the main providers of care, but there are no explicit legal expectations for support, whether financial or practical, to be provided.