Needs

In a social science and legal context, the term ‘needs’ refers to the individual or collective requirements, demands and support needs of people that must be met in order to enable equal participation in society. Needs may be of a material, social, health-related, educational or technical nature. For example, the term encompasses the need for aids, assistive technologies, personal assistance, accessible information or special learning and working conditions. Crucially, needs vary from person to person and may change depending on one’s life situation, context and personal circumstances.

In Germany, the Social Code Book IX (SGB IX) forms the basis for identifying and meeting needs in the area of rehabilitation and participation for people with disabilities. The principle of person-centred needs assessment applies here, which takes into account the individual wishes and life circumstances of those affected.