Purpose: To explore the concept of autonomy as a basis for social participation, with particular reference to rehabilitation.
Method: A study of relevant literature from the field of rehabilitation, building on theory developed in other fields (ethics, social sciences), and deriving important concepts and strategies for rehabilitation practice.
Results: The focus of rehabilitation for people with a chronic disabling condition is shifting from a biomedical to a client-centred perspective. Conceptions of autonomy vary among individuals and cultures, but a crucial distinction can be made between decisional autonomy (the ability to make decisions without external restraint) and executional autonomy (the ability to act as one wishes). The liberal-individualist account of autonomy over-emphasizes physical independence and does not sufficiently recognize the inter-dependency of all people, including those with disabilities. An ethic of care, complementary to the principle of respect for autonomy, should guide the development of rehabilitation strategies to enhance individual autonomy and participation in daily living. For rehabilitation, this entails an attentive attitude, maximizing opportunities for informed choices, taking full account of each person's preferences, needs and social contexts.
Conclusions: Autonomy is central to client-centred rehabilitation since it is a pre-requisite for effective participation. It is suggested that autonomy, conceived as a basis for participation, is the ultimate aim of rehabilitation.