"I am a very active person": Disability organizations as platforms for participation in rural Sweden

The aim of the text is to discuss the role of disability organizations for participation in rural municipalities in Sweden. Disability organizations are places for social interactions and for the accumulation of knowledge about disabilities as lived experiences. They also form a platform for dialogues and political influence work in the local community. With help of Nancy Fraser 's theory of social justice, the importance of disability organizations as respected contexts is emphasized. Participation means being included in societal activities in a way that suits the individual 's capacities and ambitions. The redistributive role of the public sector also enables participation, as it both supports disability organizations and opens up for influence in local planning. Conclusions that can be drawn are that if more support is given and more disability -specific arenas are created, there will be more open arenas for possible participation, and that what counts as participation must take a starting point in individuals ' own experiences and values of what they appreciate and need in their daily lives.