ELABORATE

Activity 1: Model Analysis and Application

Scenario 1. An individual with a mobility impairment is a college student

who has requested accommodations for an upcoming exam. The student
uses a wheelchair and needs extra time to complete the exam due to
physical limitations.

Model Assignments:

Medical Model. Analyze the scenario from the Medical Model

perspective.Focus on the student's physical impairments, the need for
medical documentation, and the accommodations required to address the
disability.

The Medical Model is a way of looking at disability that focuses on the

physical impairments of the individual. In this scenario, the student has a
physical disability that is impacting their ability to attend classes. The
first step in addressing this issue from a Medical Model perspective is to
obtain medical documentation of the disability. This documentation
should include a diagnosis of the disability, as well as any
accommodations that may be necessary to address the disability. Once the
medical documentation is obtained, the next step is to determine what
accommodations are necessary to address the disability. This may include
providing the student with information about the accommodations, as
well as providing them with support in accessing the accommodations. It
is also important to ensure that the student is aware of any resources that
may be available to them, such as counseling or support groups. By
taking these steps, the student can be provided with the necessary
accommodations to address their disability and ensure that they are able
to attend classes and participate in their education.

Social Model. Analyze the scenario using the Social Model.

Explore how societal attitudes, physical barriers, and stereotypes might
affect the student's experience.Consider how changes in the environment
could enhance inclusion, and so on.

In this scenario, the student's experience is likely to be affected by

societal attitudes, physical barriers, and stereotypes. Societal attitudes can
create a sense of exclusion for the student. For example, if the student is
seen as different due to their disability, they may be treated differently or
excluded from activities. This can lead to feelings of isolation and
loneliness. Physical barriers can also limit the student's ability to
participate in activities. For example, if the student is in a wheelchair,
they may not be able to access certain areas of the school or participate in
certain activities. This can lead to feelings of frustration and exclusion.
Stereotypes can also affect the student's experience. For example, if the
student is seen as "less capable" due to their disability, they may be
excluded from activities or not given the same opportunities as their
peers. This can lead to feelings of inferiority and exclusion. In order to
enhance inclusion, changes in the environment can be made. For
example, physical barriers can be removed or modified to make the
school more accessible. Additionally, attitudes and stereotypes can be
challenged by educating students and staff about disability and creating
an inclusive environment. Finally, accommodations can be made to
ensure that the student is able to participate in activities and have the
same opportunities as their peers.

Activity 2: Model Debate

Objective: To encourage critical thinking and argumentation about the

merits and

Drawbacks of different models of disability.

1. Divide the class into two groups, with one group advocating for a
specific model(e.g., Medical Model) and the other group advocating for
an alternative model(e.g., Social Model).

2. Assign a debate topic, such as “Which model provides a more inclusive

Approach to disability?” or “Which model better addresses the needs of

Individuals with disabilities?”

3. Set time to research and prepare arguments that support your assigned
model’s perspective.

4. Host a structured debate each group present arguments and

counterarguments. Encourage respectful dialogue and critical analysis of
the opposing viewpoint.

5. After the debate, hold a reflection session where you can discuss what
you learned from engaging with different models and viewpoints.

Debate Topic: “Which model provides a more inclusive approach to

disability in the workplace?”
Model Assignments:

● Group 1 (Advocates for the Medical Model): Argue that the Medical
Model is more effective in addressing workplace accommodations
because it focuses on diagnosing and treating impairments, ensuring
individuals receive the necessary medical support.

● Group 2 (Advocates for the Social Model): Argue that the Social Model
is superior in promoting workplace inclusivity as it emphasizes removing
systemic barriers, fostering diversity, and accommodating individual
needs.

● Group 1 (Advocates for the Medical Model): Argue that the Medical
Model is More effective in addressing workplace accommodations
because it focuses on diagnosing and treating impairments, ensuring
individuals receive the necessary medical support.

Let’s start!

The medical model views disability as an individual’s personal

impairment or medical condition. It focuses on diagnosing and treating
the individual’s impairment or condition. This model places the
responsibility for the disability on the individual and aims to “fix” or
manage the impairment through medical interventions. It often
emphasizes a cure or rehabilitation approach.

The medical model gained prominence during this time, with a focus on
medical advancements and interventions to address disabilities. However,
disability rights movements started challenging the medical model in the
1960s and 1970s, advocating for a shift in perspective.

● Group 2 (Advocates for the Social Model): Argue that the Social Model
is superior in promoting workplace inclusivity as it emphasizes removing
systemic barriers, fostering diversity, and accommodating individual
needs.

The social model of disability understands disability as a result of societal

barriers and discrimination, rather than as an inherent personal flaw or
impairment. It recognizes that disability is not solely a medical issue, but
a social and environmental one as well. The social model advocates for
removing barriers and creating inclusive environments to enable
individuals with disabilities to participate fully in society. It emphasizes
the need for changes in attitudes, policies, and physical environments.
The social model of disability emerged as a response to the limitations of
the medical model. It gained traction in the 1980s and 1990s, driven by
disability activists and organizations advocating for societal changes to
eliminate barriers and promote inclusion. The social model has since
influenced policies, legislation, and attitudes towards disability,
promoting a more inclusive and rights-based approach.

Debate Topic: “Which model provides a more inclusive approach to

disability in the workplace?”

Group 1 Medical Model

The Medical Model is often argued to provide a more inclusive approach

to disability in the workplace because it focuses on diagnosing and
treating impairments, ensuring individuals receive the necessary medical
support. This model emphasizes individual needs and medical
interventions to enable individuals with disabilities to function in the
workplace.

Group 2 Social Model

The Social Model provides a more inclusive approach to disability in the

workplace because it focuses on addressing the societal barriers and
attitudes that contribute to the exclusion of individuals with disabilities.
Unlike the Medical Model, which places the emphasis on individual
impairments, the Social Model recognizes that disability is not solely
caused by a person’s physical or mental condition, but rather by the
barriers created by society.

Group 1 Medical Model

By diagnosing and treating impairments, the Medical Model aims to

improve an individual’s functioning and productivity. It recognizes that
individuals with disabilities may require specific accommodations or
assistive devices to perform their job tasks effectively. This model
advocates for providing medical support such as therapies, medications,
or assistive technologies to address individual impairments and enable
individuals to participate fully in the workplace.

Group 2 Social Model

The Social Model highlights the need to remove physical, architectural,

and communication barriers in the workplace. This includes ensuring
accessibility by providing ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and
assistive technologies that enable individuals with disabilities to navigate
and engage fully in their work environment. By removing these barriers,
the Social Model promotes equal access to employment opportunities and
facilitates the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce.

Group 1 Medical Model

The Medical Model emphasizes the importance of individualized

assessments and accommodations. By focusing on the specific needs of
each individual, it aims to provide tailored support to address their
impairments and promote their inclusion in the workplace. This
personalized approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of
an individual’s abilities and limitations, enabling employers to make
appropriate accommodations to facilitate their participation and success
in the workplace.

Group 2 Social Model

The Social Model emphasizes the importance of changing societal

attitudes towards disability. It calls for challenging stereotypes,
prejudices, and discriminatory practices that may hinder the full
participation of individuals with disabilities in the workplace. By
promoting awareness, education, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, the
Social Model seeks to create an environment where individuals with
disabilities are accepted, valued, and provided with equal opportunities
for career advancement.

Group 1 Medical Model

The Medical Model prioritizes medical interventions and individual

needs, it may not fully address the systemic barriers and societal attitudes
that contribute to disability discrimination. This is where the Social
Model comes into play, as it highlights the need for removing these
barriers and fostering inclusivity in the workplace. A combined approach
that incorporates elements from both models may be the most effective in
promoting true inclusivity in the workplace.

Group 2 Social Model

The Social Model does not disregard the importance of medical support
but highlights the need to address societal barriers as well. By combining
the principles of the Social Model with the individualized approach of the
Medical Model, a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to
disability in the workplace can be achieve.
Throughout the debate on the medical model and social model of
disability, I have gained a deeper understanding of the different
perspectives and approaches

towards disability. The medical model perceives disability as an

individual’s impairment or deficiency that needs to be fixed or treated. It
focuses on medical interventions and aims to make individuals fit into the
existing societal norms.

On the other hand, the social model of disability emphasizes that

disability is not solely a result of an individual’s impairment but is also
influenced by social and environmental factors. It highlights the barriers
and inequalities faced by disabled individuals in society, advocating for
changes in the environment, attitudes, and policies to create an inclusive
and accessible society.

One crucial aspect I’ve learned is that the medical model tends to
pathologize disability, often leading to stigma and exclusion. It places the
responsibility solely on the individual to adapt, rather than
acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to
their exclusion. In contrast, the social model recognizes the role of
society in creating disabling barriers and calls for societal changes to
remove those barriers.

Furthermore, I’ve come to understand that the medical model focuses

primarily on medical interventions and individualized solutions, whereas
the social model emphasizes the importance of collective action,
community support, and empowering disabled individuals to actively
participate in decision-making processes.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding the medical model and social

model of disability has provided me with valuable insights into the
different perspectives on disability and the need for a more inclusive and
accessible society. It has highlighted the importance of recognizing and
addressing both the individual and societal aspects of disability, and the
significance of promoting inclusivity, equality, and empowerment for
disabled individuals.
Activity 3: Model Application in Inclusive Education

The following scenarios provide an opportunity for you to apply your

understanding of disability models to a real-world situation in education.
The activities challenge you to think about how different models can lead
to different strategies and approaches in ensuring inclusive and equitable
education for students with disabilities.

Objective: To explore the practical application of models of disability in

the context of inclusive education.

Instructions:

1. Analyze the scenario using one or more models of disability. For

instance, you may use the Social Model to identify environmental
barriers or the Identity Model to consider the individuals cultural
background.
2. Propose specific strategies or interventions based on the model
analysis that would promote inclusivity in the educational setting.
3. Involve in group discussions where you can share your analyses
and solutions, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
4. Discuss the challenges and benefits of applying different models
in education and how this understanding can inform teaching
practices.

Scenario 1

A high school teacher is planning an inclusive classroom environment for

a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The teacher seeks
strategies to support the students learning and social interaction.

Model Assignments:

Medical Model: Analyze the scenario through the lens of the Medical
Model. Consider the students diagnosis, possible medical interventions or
therapies, and accommodations that directly address the students ASD
symptoms.
Social Model: Analyze the scenario using the Social Model. Focus on
environmental factors within the classroom that could be adjusted to
create an inclusive atmosphere for the student with ASD. Consider
sensory-friendly modifications and peer support strategies.
 In the Medical Model analysis, the primary focus centers on the
individual's disability and its management, specifically addressing a
student diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To begin, a
comprehensive assessment of the student's ASD is recommended, taking
into account their unique challenges and strengths. This assessment
should involve consultations with medical professionals such as
psychologists and psychiatrists to gain a detailed understanding of the
diagnosis.

Subsequently, in the context of medical interventions and

accommodations, it is essential to explore potential therapies or
interventions that could benefit the student, including options like applied
behavior analysis (ABA) therapy or medication if prescribed by a
healthcare professional. Additionally, individualized accommodations
should be provided to directly address the symptoms of ASD, such as
offering sensory breaks, utilizing visual schedules, or creating a quiet
space for sensory regulation.

On the other hand, in the Social Model analysis, the emphasis

shifts towards modifying the environment to foster inclusivity for
individuals with disabilities. Environmental factors within the classroom
that may pose challenges for the student with ASD, such as sensory
overload or triggers for social anxiety, need to be identified. Necessary
modifications should be implemented to create an inclusive atmosphere,
which might involve reducing sensory stimuli through measures like soft
lighting, establishing quiet corners, and incorporating sensory-friendly
materials.

Peer support strategies play a crucial role in the Social Model

approach. This includes educating classmates about ASD to foster
empathy and implementing strategies to promote social interaction, such
as assigning peer buddies who can assist the student with ASD in
navigating social situations.

Shared recommendations emphasize a collaborative approach that

integrates both medical and social model approaches. This involves
working closely with the student's parents or guardians to develop an
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that takes into consideration both
perspectives. The IEP should be subject to regular reviews and
adjustments based on the student's progress and evolving needs.
Furthermore, providing professional development opportunities for
teachers and staff to enhance their understanding of ASD and inclusive
teaching strategies is vital. Maintaining open communication channels
between teachers, specialists, and parents is essential to ensure a holistic
approach to the student's education.

Additionally, it is advisable to encourage the student's participation

in inclusive extracurricular activities that provide opportunities for further
developing social skills and pursuing personal interests.

Scenario 2

A public elementary school is preparing for the inclusion of a new

student who has a
significant hearing impairment. The student uses hearing aids and
communicates primarily through spoken language. The schools goal is to
provide an inclusive educational environment that meets the students
needs.

Model Assignments:

Medical Model: Analyze the scenario from the perspective of the Medical
Model. Focus on the students specific hearing impairment, medical
assessments, and necessary accommodations such as hearing aids or
speech therapy.
Rights-Based Model: Analyze the scenario using the Rights-Based
Model. Emphasize the students rights to equal educational opportunities,
accessibility, and the need for reasonable accommodations in compliance
with disability rights laws.

In the context of the Medical Model, the primary focus revolves

around addressing the student's hearing impairment.
For Identification and Assessment, a thorough evaluation of the student's
hearing impairment is essential, encompassing audiometric tests and
assessments conducted by audiologists. Additionally, ensuring that the
student's hearing aids are appropriately fitted and well-maintained is
crucial to optimize their functionality.

Regarding Medical Interventions and Accommodations, it is

imperative to provide necessary accommodations, such as preferential
seating, to enhance the student's ability to hear effectively within the
classroom. The consideration of speech therapy can also be beneficial in
supporting the development of the student's spoken language skills.

The Rights-Based Model, on the other hand, underscores the

importance of acknowledging the student's rights to equal educational
opportunities and accessibility.
In terms of Equal Educational Opportunities, ensuring that the student has
equitable access to the curriculum is vital, which may involve the
provision of captioning or sign language interpreters as necessary.
Implementing a communication plan that includes well-defined
guidelines to accommodate the student's specific communication needs is
equally important.

Within the Collaborative Efforts aspect of the Rights-Based Model,

close collaboration with parents and specialists is recommended to create
a comprehensive support plan that upholds the student's rights to an
inclusive education. Additionally, conducting regular assessments of the
school environment for accessibility is essential to identify and remove
any barriers that may hinder the student's access.

In the realm of Shared Recommendations, a comprehensive

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) should be developed, encompassing
considerations from both the Medical and Rights-Based Models. This IEP
should outline specific accommodations and support measures tailored to
the student's unique needs. Moreover, it is advisable to provide training in
basic sign language or communication strategies to educators, staff, and
students to promote inclusivity and reduce communication barriers.
Lastly, ensuring the school's compliance with disability rights laws and
regulations, including the provision of reasonable accommodations, is of
utmost importance.

Instructions:
1. Choose one of the assigned models (Medical Model or Rights-Based
Model) and
analyze the scenario accordingly.
2. Consider the following aspects based on your chosen model:
•Identification and assessment of the students hearing impairment.
•The role of medical professionals or specialists in providing
support.
•Necessary accommodations and assistive technology, such as
hearing aids or
sign language interpreters.
•Ensuring equal access to the curriculum and extracurricular
activities.
•Collaborative efforts between educators, specialists, and parents
to support the students learning and social integration.
3. Propose specific strategies and actions that the school should take to
ensure the
students successful inclusion based on the principles and
recommendations of your
chosen model.
4. Organize group discussions or presentations where you can share your
analyses and
recommendations, highlighting the differences in approaches between the
two models.
5. Foster a class discussion that encourages critical thinking and
reflection on the benefits and limitations of each model in guiding
inclusive education practices.