Disability, family and society: new thinking of an old debate.

The debate about disability, family and society is an old one. The needs of individuals with disabilities have not been a priority in most societies. However, this population is increasing with the advances in our medical technology and we can no longer ignore them. Overall care, from diagnosis to treatment and integration into society has been fragmented and disorganized. Thus, new thinking about individuals with disabilities has to take place. This article suggests the need for a paradigm shift has to how individuals with disabilities should be viewed and suggests a different model for the development of systems to meet the needs of this growing population.