Models of Disability
The Social Model was developed by disabled people. It takes the view that society creates barriers that 'disable' people from participating fully and on an equal basis with others and that these barriers must be removed. By creating barriers in buildings and structures or by not producing information in different formats such as Braille or Easy Read, people with impairments/health conditions are ‘disabled’. This way of thinking takes the focus away from what is ‘wrong’ with a disabled person (their impairment or condition) and puts the emphasis on what we should all do, in alliance to identify and remove barriers.
For example: Using different means of communications to match the requirements of the individuals in the class will enable all children the right to communication.
The Social Model of Disability leads us naturally towards a desire to develop Inclusive Practice.
The Medical Model sees the disabled person’s impairment or health condition as the ‘problem’. The focus is therefore on ‘fixing’ or ‘curing’ the individual. This is the Medical Model of Disability.
For example: A disabled person may use a wheel chair - this is NOT a ‘problem’, the problem is the lack of a ramp!