The human rights model of disability: Prof. Dr. Theresia Degener gave an exciting talk at the 3rd ZAB Forum

On October 17, the ZAB Forum Barrier-Free once again dealt with an exciting topic. This time Prof. Dr. Theresia Degener appeared in front of the audience, connected from her own home office via Zoom. In her presentation, she highlighted the research project entitled "The Human Rights Model of Disability in Times of Crisis" and how this model contrasts with the medical model, which often reduces people with disabilities only to their (real or presumed) health limitations.

Prof. Degener walked us through the genesis of the human rights model, which grew out of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She explained how it differs from the medical model, which to this day accepts human rights violations such as institutionalization, forced treatment, segregation, and exclusion as individual destinies. Especially in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated discrimination against people with disabilities, the triage debate gained renewed momentum. Theresia Degener emphatically underlined why the human rights model is the only right way to follow the "Build Back Better" principle within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, even in times of crisis.

After her lecture, a lively discussion developed in which both the audience present in the lecture hall and the participants connected via zoom engaged in a lively exchange with Prof. Degener. This discussion underscored the importance and timeliness of the topic, and it made clear that Theresia Degener's lecture not only informed us, but also inspired us. The human rights model of disability shows us that it is time to break down barriers and prejudices and create an inclusive society for all.