Disability and the human condition. Changing the social determinants of disabilities and building a new culture of inclusion. The procedings of the 24th plenary session 9-11 April 2024

On its 30th anniversary, the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences dedicated its 2024 Plenary Session to "Disability and Human Condition: Changing the Social Determinants of Disabilities and Building a New Culture of Inclusion." The Church's Social Doctrine affirms that persons with disabilities are fully human subjects, endowed with rights and duties, who, "even with the limitations and sufferings inscribed in their bodies and faculties, place greater emphasis on human dignity and greatness."They must, therefore, be supported so that they may "participate in family and social life in all dimensions and at all levels accessible t0 [their] possibilities." (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 148). The international community has made significant strides in acknowledging the rights of persons with disabilities and the numerous barriers that impede their full integration into social life. However, in many regions, individuals with disabilities still confront discrimination and isolation; their equal dignity is often not recognized. Through his life witness and his Magisterium, Pope Francis has shown a particular concern for persons with disabilities, referring to them "as some of those 'hidden exiles' who are treated as foreign bodies within society. Many persons with disabilities 'feel that they exist without belonging and without participating'. Much still prevents them from being fully enfranchised. Our concern should be not only to car efor them but to ensure their 'active participation in the civil and ecclesial community. That is a demanding and even tiring process, yet one that will gradually contribute to the formation of consciences capable of acknowledging each individual as a unique and unrepeatable person."" (Fratelli tutti, 98). The participants of the Plenary Session responded to Pope Francis' call by conducting a comprehensive global analysis of current strategies and their effectiveness. They re-evaluated the conceptualization of human rights for people with disabilities from a relational perspective and proposed innovative measures at international, national, and local levels to promote social inclusion. The Plenary rose to the challenge and made a significant contribution by identifying the specific social determinants that act as barriers, increasing social disability and preventing persons with disabilities from fully participating in social life and offering their unique contributions. Considering diverse socio-cultural contexts, the Plenary examined the necessary changes at the cultural, regulatory, and public policy levels to implement and ensure the effective enjoyment of the rights enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This volume gathers the specific contributions of the social sciences in opening new horizons and highlighting existing practices. We hope that- by combining subsidiarity and solidarity, and truly applying the principles of political charity - we may all become builders of a new culture of inclusion, and of a world where disability is a normal part of life.