The Evolution of Disability during the Last Years in Romania and EU Member States

Purpose: People with disabilities represent a major objective, a global public health issue. This disadvantaged category needs protection and integration into society by implementing an improved legislative framework. The effectiveness of the policy making, consolidating the benefit programs and enhancing equity of the social insurance system represent the key of The Governments strategy. Methods: The paper highlights comparable data and research related to disability and social insurance system from Romania and other Member States of the European Union. Internationally, a proper measurement of disability may lead to a successful removal of barriers which increase the vulnerability of people with disability. Results: According to official data, in Romania the number of disabled people decreased gradually one year to another (in the last 5 years). In the EU Member States, musculoskeletal disorders leading to disability were one of the most common compared to Romania where it ranked last. From the point of view of the share in the total number of people with disabilities, according to the degree of disability, both in the EU Member States and in Romania, the number of moderately disabled people was double, respectively triple compared to the number of those with severe disability. Conclusion: The Romania Government promotes social-professional integration of people with disabilities, being responsible for the guidance, vocational counselling and employment. In accordance with our law, “any person with disabilities, fit and included in the labor market in Romania is entitled to a reasonable accommodation of the workplace.”