Mainstreaming disability in policies: the Flemish experience

Abstract

Although research on gender mainstreaming (GM) is extensive, literature on disability mainstreaming (DM) is scarce. This article builds on the experience of GM to explore the conditions affecting DM, focusing on the first Flemish policy cycle of DM (2010–2014) in two policy domains: employment and education. We found no substantive difference in the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of DM compared with that of GM. Also, developments specific to the policy domains had more influence on the inclusive character of policies than did the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities or the Flemish approach to DM.

Keywords:

• Gender mainstreaming
• disability mainstreaming
• equality policies
• inclusive policies
• Flanders

Notes

1. As a consequence of the ratification, Belgium implemented a ‘handistreaming strategy’ and established a National Higher Council for Disabled People to guarantee the participation of disabled people. The Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities is the independent public institution supervising the implementation of the UNCRPD. It is the pendant of the federal Institute for Equal Opportunities of Women and Men.