According to Dr. William H.

Erickson (1966); a prominent figure in rehabilitation medicine,

described the medical model as an approach that aims to restore individuals with disabilities to
their pre-disability state through medical treatments and therapies. For example, if a person
sustains a spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis, the medical model would focus on providing
surgical interventions, physical therapy, and assistive devices to improve their physical
functioning and independence.

According to Dr. Howard Rusk (1970); considered the father of rehabilitation medicine,
emphasized the comprehensive nature of the medical model. He believed that rehabilitation
should encompass physical, psychological, and social aspects of an individual's life. For instance,
if a person experiences a traumatic brain injury, the medical model would involve a
multidisciplinary team of experts providing medical interventions, cognitive therapy,
psychological support, and social reintegration programs to facilitate the person's recovery and
reintegration into society.

According to Dr. Joel A. DeLisa (1998); a renowned rehabilitation medicine specialist,

discussed the medical model as a framework that focuses on the restoration of function and
independence. He highlighted the importance of medical interventions such as medications,
surgeries, and assistive devices in improving an individual's physical capabilities. For instance,
in the case of a person with amputated limbs, the medical model would involve prosthetic limb
fittings, surgical interventions, and physical therapy to help them regain mobility and engage in
daily activities.

According to Dr. Gerold Stucki (2005); a leading advocate for the bio psychosocial model of
rehabilitation, criticized the medical model for its narrow focus on impairments and medical
treatments. He argued that rehabilitation should consider the social and environmental factors
that impact an individual's functioning. For example, a person with chronic pain may undergo
medical treatments such as medication and physical therapy, but the medical model alone may
not address the social and psychological aspects of pain management.

According to Dr. Marc Gold (1970s); a pioneer in the field of special education, developed the
"Try Another Way" approach, which is rooted in the educational model of rehabilitation. He
believed that individuals with disabilities should have access to education and learning
opportunities tailored to their specific needs. For example, if a child has a learning disability, the
educational model would involve providing specialized instruction, accommodations, and
support services to help the child overcome their challenges and succeed academically.

According to Dr. Michael J. Leahy (1991); a renowned scholar in rehabilitation counseling,

emphasized the importance of vocational training and educational interventions in the
rehabilitation process. He argued that education can significantly enhance the employment
prospects and overall well-being of individuals with disabilities. For instance, a person with a
visual impairment may receive specialized training in assistive technology and adaptive skills to
pursue a career in computer programming or other technology-related fields.

Dr. James H. Stronge (2003); an expert in special education and teacher effectiveness,
discussed the educational model of rehabilitation in the context of inclusive education. He
highlighted the need for inclusive classrooms and individualized instruction to meet the diverse
needs of students with disabilities. For example, the educational model would involve providing
accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology to ensure that students with disabilities
can fully participate in the general education curriculum alongside their non-disabled peers.

Dr. Mary E. Morningstar (2015); a leading researcher in the field of transition and employment
for individuals with disabilities, emphasized the importance of self-determination and self-
advocacy skills in the educational model of rehabilitation. She argued that individuals with
disabilities should be actively involved in their educational planning and decision-making
processes. For example, the educational model would involve providing resources, information,
and support to help individuals with disabilities advocate for their educational rights and access
appropriate educational services.

According to Mike Oliver (1983); a prominent disability studies scholar, is credited with
developing the social model of disability. He argued that disability is not solely a result of an
individual's impairment but is largely shaped by the barriers and exclusionary practices in
society. For example, if a person who uses a wheelchair cannot access a building due to the lack
of ramps or elevators, the social model would highlight the need for architectural modifications
and inclusive design to remove this barrier.

According to Jenny Morris (1991); a disability rights activist and scholar, expanded on the
social model by emphasizing the importance of social participation and equal opportunities for
individuals with disabilities. She argued that disabled people should have the right to participate
fully in society, and that society should adapt to accommodate their diverse needs. For example,
the social model would advocate for accessible public transportation systems, inclusive
employment practices, and educational institutions that accommodate diverse learning styles.

According to Vic Finkelstein (1980s); a disability rights activist and scholar, highlighted the
role of power dynamics and social oppression in the social model of rehabilitation. He argued
that disabled people should be empowered to challenge and change the societal structures that
perpetuate discrimination and exclusion. For example, the social model would involve disabled
individuals organizing and advocating for changes in policies, laws, and attitudes to create an
inclusive and accessible society.

According to Tom Shakespeare (2006); a disability studies scholar, emphasized the

intersectional nature of disability and the social model. He argued that the experiences of
disabled people are shaped by factors such as gender, race, class, and sexuality, and that the
social model should address these intersecting forms of oppression. For example, the social
model would recognize that disabled individuals from marginalized communities may face
additional barriers and discrimination, and would work towards dismantling these intersecting
systems of oppression.

According to Dr. Frank H. Krusen (1946); a pioneer in the field of physical medicine and
rehabilitation, emphasized the importance of vocational rehabilitation in restoring individuals
with disabilities to active and productive lives. He believed that vocational training and
placement were essential components of the rehabilitation process. For example, if a person
sustains a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia, the vocational model would involve
providing vocational assessments, job training, and job placement services to help the person
find suitable employment.

According to Dr. Paul Wehman (1985); a renowned scholar in the field of vocational
rehabilitation, advocated for a comprehensive approach to vocational rehabilitation that includes
job coaching, supported employment, and assistive technology. He emphasized the need for
individualized vocational plans and ongoing support to help individuals with disabilities achieve
and maintain employment. For example, a person with a developmental disability may receive
job coaching and accommodations to successfully perform tasks in their chosen occupation.
According to Dr. David Hagner (2000); an expert in vocational rehabilitation counseling,
discussed the importance of matching individuals' interests, abilities, and skills with suitable
employment opportunities. He highlighted the role of vocational assessments and career
counseling in guiding individuals with disabilities towards meaningful and fulfilling careers. For
example, a person with a visual impairment may receive vocational assessments to identify
careers that align with their interests and abilities, such as pursuing a career in music or computer
programming.

Dr. William M. Cruickshank (2012); a leading scholar in the field of vocational rehabilitation,
emphasized the need for collaboration among rehabilitation professionals, employers, and
individuals with disabilities to promote successful vocational outcomes. He argued that
vocational rehabilitation should involve job placement services, workplace accommodations, and
ongoing support to ensure job retention and career advancement. For example, a person with a
hearing impairment may receive assistive devices, workplace modifications, and communication
training to thrive in a mainstream work environment.

According to Dr. Judy Heumann (1993); a disability rights activist and scholar, emphasized
the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities to advocate for their rights and
participate fully in society. She believed that rehabilitation should go beyond physical restoration
and focus on promoting self-advocacy and social inclusion. For example, the empowerment
model may involve providing individuals with disabilities with the knowledge and skills to
advocate for accessible public transportation, resulting in improved mobility and independence.

Dr. Michael J. Leahy (2000); an expert in disability studies, discussed the empowerment model
as a way to challenge societal barriers and promote the rights and well-being of individuals with
disabilities. He argued that rehabilitation should aim to dismantle disabling environments and
promote social justice. For example, the empowerment model may involve supporting
individuals with disabilities to engage in disability activism and advocate for changes in policies
and practices that hinder their full participation in society.

According to Dr. Susan Burch (2009); a scholar in disability studies, emphasized the
importance of self-empowerment and self-determination in the rehabilitation process. She argued
that rehabilitation professionals should work collaboratively with individuals with disabilities,
respecting their expertise and preferences. For example, the empowerment model may involve
providing individuals with disabilities with the necessary information, resources, and support to
make informed decisions about their rehabilitation goals and strategies.

Dr. Oliver Wendt (2017); a researcher in the field of disability and communication, discussed
the empowerment model of rehabilitation within the context of augmentative and alternative
communication (AAC). He highlighted the importance of empowering individuals with complex
communication needs to have a voice and express their thoughts and preferences. For example,
the empowerment model may involve providing individuals with AAC devices and training,
enabling them to communicate effectively and participate in decision-making processes.

According to Dr. Mary Law (1991); an occupational therapist and researcher, emphasized the
human development model of rehabilitation as a way to support individuals with disabilities in
achieving their full potential and participating in meaningful activities. She argued that
rehabilitation should focus on enhancing individuals' abilities and providing them with
opportunities to engage in activities that are important to them. For example, the human
development model may involve providing individuals with disabilities with assistive devices or
modifications to their environment, enabling them to independently participate in activities such
as cooking or gardening.

According to Dr. Gary Kielhofner (2004); an occupational therapist and scholar, discussed the
human development model of rehabilitation within the framework of occupational therapy. He
emphasized the importance of considering individuals' unique abilities, interests, and goals in the
rehabilitation process. For example, the human development model may involve working with
individuals with disabilities to identify their personal goals and providing them with
interventions and strategies that support their occupational engagement and overall well-being.

According to Dr. Carolyn Baum (2010); a rehabilitation psychologist, highlighted the human
development model of rehabilitation as a holistic approach that considers individuals' physical,
psychological, and social well-being. She argued that rehabilitation should focus on promoting
individuals' independence, self-esteem, and social participation. For example, the human
development model may involve providing individuals with disabilities with psychological
support and counseling to address any emotional or mental health challenges they may face,
thereby enhancing their overall well-being.
References

World Health Organization. (1980). International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and

Handicaps.

Turnbull, A. P., Turnbull, H. R., & Wehmeyer, M. L. (2013). Exceptional lives: Special
education in today's schools. Merrill.

Oliver, M. (1990). The politics of disablement. Macmillan.

National Council on Rehabilitation Education. (2016). The Rehabilitation Counseling

Profession: History and Practice. SAGE Publications.

Heumann, J. (1993). The struggle for independence: A history of organized efforts to empower
disabled Americans. The Milbank Quarterly, 71(2), 351-377.

Law, M. (1991). Participation in the occupations of everyday life. American Journal of

Occupational Therapy, 45(8), 640-648.