This thesis examines the position of people with disabilities in society, drawing on the traditional Kantian concept of rational autonomy and extending it to the concept of relational autonomy. Since, by the definition of rational autonomy, people with disabilities lack autonomy, they are marginalized in many respects; they are often denied the right to make decisions or to enjoy certain basic human rights, while at the same time facing intense pressure to accept responsibility for their life circumstances. In my thesis I use the definition of people with disabilities and the concept of relational autonomy – which emphasizes human interdependence and solidarity – to explain the circumstances under which people with disabilities can develop, exercise, and strengthen their autonomy. The key question I addressed is how the autonomy of people with disabilities manifests within the personal assistance model, which has become the standard model of support intended to enable people with disabilities to live as autonomously as possible.
|
