Adolf Ratzka, the driving force behind the Independent Living Movement in Europe
Mabel Giraldo
Adolf Ratzka (1943-2024) is considered a pioneer and a keen and firm supporter of the rights of persons with disabilities who played a crucial role in promoting the philosophy and the Movement for Independent Living in Europe until his death on 21 July 2024 at the age of 80. He was able to translate the requests and the needs of that world of disability that, starting from the Sixties, was demanding renewed rights and visibility into key elements for the design of a truly inclusive society. After a brief biographical note and an essential overview of the social welfare context of Sweden — the country that adopted him and in which his political, cultural and social action took shape — this contribution intends to explore some of the main issues against which the German activist fought throughout his life and which constitute, today, his invaluable legacy.
Keywords
Aldof Ratzka, Independent Living, Disability Rights, Self-Determination, Personal Assistant.
