Paternalism as a source of dilemmas in the area of special education – the chosen aspects

The paper presents some reflections on a paternalistic approach to people with disabilities that may put the functioning of such individuals at risk. Paternalism, as an authoritarian approach of the physician to the patient, emerged in medicine and is most often analyzed with reference to the medical domain. It should be noted, however, that some activities performed by teachers, therapists and parents limit the autonomy of a child or disabled person. Although such actions undoubtedly aim at important rehabilitative outcomes, they overlook/limit possibilities, desires, and sometimes actually well-being of a person with disability. In this article paternalism is analyzed in three aspects: aim, therapy/rehabilitation and parental approach.

The paper presents some reflections on a paternalistic approach to people with disabilities that may put the functioning of such individuals at risk. Paternalism, as an authoritarian approach of the physician to the patient, emerged in medicine and is most often analyzed with reference to the medical domain. It should be noted, however, that some activities performed by teachers, therapists and parents limit the autonomy of a child or disabled person. Although such actions undoubtedly aim at important rehabilitative outcomes, they overlook/limit possibilities, desires, and sometimes actually well-being of a person with disability. In this article paternalism is analyzed in three aspects: aim, therapy/rehabilitation and parental approach.