In this article, the author summarizes four characteristics of an emerging disability paradigm and discusses a number of policy and practice implications posed by this paradigm. The four characteristics are functional limitations, personal well-being, individualized supports, and personal competence and adaptation. Changes that need to occur in policy and practice are discussed in relation to each of the characteristics. The author concludes with a discussion of potential changes at the individual, service delivery, and societal levels that may be used to evaluate the utility of the paradigm.
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