We sometimes see confusion between these two concepts, both in the general public and among professionals in the social field. Hence the importance of pausing to clarify them. There are situations where the two interrelate, so understanding the difference is essential to act appropriately in social intervention and in the resources for each case.
DISABILITY
Disability is a characteristic of the person, for whose quantification a scale exists, with the aim of legislating rights and providing the services or benefits that improve their quality of life. The General Act on the rights of persons with disabilities and their social inclusion (Royal Legislative Decree 1/2013) defines it as «a situation resulting from the interaction between persons with foreseeably permanent impairments and any kind of barriers that limit or prevent their full and effective participation in society, on equal terms with others».
The right to these services and benefits is recognised when the person requests their assessment at the Assessment and Guidance Centres (CVO), through an assessment and guidance team (EVO), and provided a degree equal to or above 33% is recognised. The degree is reviewable, ex officio or at the person's request, after a minimum of two years, due to improvement or worsening.
DEPENDENCY
The Dependency Act (39/2006, of 14 December) defines dependency as «the permanent state of persons who, for reasons linked to age, illness or disability, and to a lack or loss of autonomy, require the care of another person or persons or significant assistance to carry out the basic activities of daily living».
This law creates the System for Autonomy and Care for Dependency (SAAD) and establishes, in its article 26, three degrees: Degree I (moderate dependency), Degree II (severe dependency) and Degree III (major dependency). To access resources, the person applies at the Social Services; the assessment is carried out by a social worker through a home visit, from which a diagnosis and the proposed Individual Care Plan (PIA) derive, setting the most suitable resource.
CONCLUSION
Disability does not necessarily encompass dependency. The presumption of lack of autonomy in persons with disabilities is what generates the conceptual confusion. It is worth joining efforts to decode terms loaded with stereotypes: doing so gives us greater freedom of action as people and as professionals. Accompanying the procedure —what to request, before whom and with what documentation— is part of our Comprehensive Social Care.