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The article examines the perceived impact of leadership and participation by people with physical disabilities on access to health care in the U.S. and Canada. The data from this study also identifies the importance of collaborative partnerships, and impact these collaborations have on strengthening access to services of various constituency groups. This study is significant at this time within the disability arena since states and provinces will increasingly assume responsibility for the assignment of fiscal resources under managed care and two tier funding schemes. Under these schemes, the consumer often can be left to feel that their voice is unheard. Regardless, the results of this study point to the value of advocacy efforts and highlight the true value of "empowerment." Secondly, the results provide useful insights into how we may be able to develop training interventions which will facilitate effective partnerships between key actors within the health and human service planning sectors. Bearing these results in mind, it may be helpful to develop support from grassroots action groups, both on a level where people are supported to pursue involvement for their own benefit, but also the greater good of the community.

This paper presents the basic philosophies that have influenced the development of social policy affecting the disabled. These philosophies include utilitarianism, humanitarianism, and human rights. It is suggested that the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is grounded in the human rights philosophy. Under the Act, disabled individuals are treated as an oppressed group who have been denied basic constitutional rights. The Americans With Disabilities Act is considered to be the "emancipation proclamation for the disabled." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]