| This paper reviews the process and outcomes of constructing a new model, the "Rights Model of Disability", which is particular to the target region, namely the low-GDP/capita Arab countries. In the latter part of this paper, the validity of this model will be field-tested in a deductive manner, in two pilot countries, namely Jordan and Lebanon. The author is of the view that the solution for inclusive disability development and/or development cooperation must be based on the cultural particularity of a recipient country. The methodology adopted in this study is the so-called "triangulation" method, with three phases. First, it describes the process and outcomes of the author's "Rights Model of Disability", which had been constructed during her 13-year working and living experience in the region, and based on the analysis of ample data collected during this period, such as interviews, case studies and other documented materials. Thus, this initial phase is an inductive ground theory construction process. The proposed model, the Rights Model of Disability, is comprehensive in its nature, and composed of five key components, namely, (1) cultural relativism about the concept of disability, (2) mutual interaction between a disabled individual and his/her society (environments), (3) diversity existing among different disabilities and disabled people, (4) revitalizing the concept of rehabilitation and impairment, and (5) universal human rights, antidiscrimination law and complementary proactive measures.;This modal may be applied in the development cooperation field, with the "twin-track approach" of empowerment of disabled individuals and disability mainstreaming into development. |
