Module 1.2
What are the different models of disabilities?
➢Social model
○ Looks external to the individual:
■ If the environment is inaccessible
● Buildings, services
● Communication, language
■ Attitudes are inhibiting
● Prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination
■ Organizations are inflexible
● Procedures, policies, practices
○ Developed by individuals with disabilities in response to the medical model
➢Medical model
○ Lood to diagnose and cure:
■ Disability is caused by a physical, mental, or sensory impairment
■ The individual is impaired and is the problem
■ The focus of the medial model is to cure (or alleviate) the effect of the
impairment
■ Fosters existing prejudices
➢Tragedy-Charity model
○ This model assumes need and required care:
■ PWD are depicted as victims of circumstance, deserving of pity
■ Traditionally used by charities for fund-raising
■ Lowers the self-esteem of the disabled
■ PWD need care (medical model) and historically, that care can result in
institutionalization
➢Religious-Moral model
○ This model draws on certain cultural beliefs:
■ Disability might be punishment for past “sins” or “evil spirits”
■ Disability affliction before some future spiritual reward
■ Exorcism, sacrifice, persecution and even death can result
➢Economic model
○ This model focused financial impact:
■ Disability is defined by a person’s inability to work
