The Office of the Disability Ombudsman (Handikappombudsmannen) was
established in 1994 to monitor issues relating to the rights and interests
of persons with disabilities. The Ombudsman works to achieve the general
objectives of disability policy-full participation and equality for people
with disabilities.
The Ombudsman's activity is regulated in a special statute. One of its
provisions is that authorities may not refuse to provide information to, or
engage in negotiations with, the Office of the Disability Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman seeks to remedy legislative deficiencies and to raise the
issue of statutory amendments, etc. The Ombudsman also takes the initiative
in alleviating legal shortcomings for persons with disabilities.
The need for legal advice has proved to be extensive, not only among persons
with disabilities and their relatives but also among those who work with
these issues. Advice about legal issues accordingly constitutes the core of
the work of the Disability Ombudsman, and emphasis has been placed on the
importance of having qualified legal expertise within the organisation.
In addition to telephone service and correspondence, the Ombudsman offers
basic legal advice on its website. In this way it is hoped that increasing
numbers of persons with disabilities will be able to look after their own
rights and interests.
One of the Ombudsman's central tasks is to evaluate and disseminate
information about the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities
for Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations in 1993. The
Ombudsman shall also investigate the extent to which these rules are
generally respected and implemented, for example by government agencies or
local authorities. Accessibility to public places has been found to be
highly unsatisfactory, for example.
The business sector has an important role to play in making goods and
services accessible to all. Its role as employer is also important. The
Ombudsman is instructed in its statute to maintain contacts with businesses
and to encourage the private sector to pay due attention to disability
issues.
Cooperation with organisations representing and run by persons with
disabilities is fundamental to the work of the Ombudsman. Each organisation
of this kind which is entitled to a state subsidy accordingly meets the
Ombudsman twice a year.
In May 1999 a new law came into force which outlaws discrimination against
people with disabilities in working life. The law protects employees and
job-seekers against discrimination on the part of employers. The Ombudsman
shall ensure that this law is voluntarily observed by employers. The
Ombudsman has the right to represent individuals in court if their union
organisations choose not to do so.
◆二文字 理明・椎木 章 編 20001225 『福祉国家の優生思想──スウェーデン発強制不妊手術報道』 明石書店，206+8p. 2500 ＊ http://www.akashi.co.jp
cf.◆優生
◆Brogerg, G and Roll-Hansen, N. eds. 1996 Eugenics and the Welfare State:
Sterilization Policy in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland
Michigan State University Press
ISBN 0870134132 Hard Cover, 39.95 USD