funksjonshemmande

Funksjonshemmede is a Norwegian term used to describe people who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments and who face barriers in society that limit participation in education, work, and public life. The perspective on disability has shifted toward a rights-based and social model, emphasizing that many barriers are created by environments, systems, and attitudes rather than by the impairment itself.

Terminology and language around this group vary. Some prefer person-first language, such as personer med funksjonsnedsettelse (people with disabilities), while others use identity-first terms like funksjonshemmede. Policy and public discourse in Norway have historically used the term funksjonshemmede, but there is ongoing discussion about terminology to reflect dignity, autonomy, and inclusion.

Rights, law, and policy play a central role in shaping the situation of funksjonshemmede. Norway participates in international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). National laws and programs aim to ensure equal rights and accessibility, including universal design principles to make public and digital spaces usable for everyone. Responsibility for implementation is shared among government agencies, municipalities, employers, and civil society organizations.

Living conditions and inclusion vary, with progress in areas like accessible transportation, education, and workplace participation, but challenges remain. Barriers can be physical (infrastructure), attitudinal (stigma), or digital (inaccessible technology). Disability organizations and advocacy groups, such as umbrella coalitions for funksjonshemmede, work to promote participation, independent living, and self-determination, and to involve brukere (users) in policy development.

Related topics include disability rights, universal design, accessibility, and inclusive education.