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Disability Models: Medical vs. Social

The document discusses two main models of disability: the medical model and the social model. The medical model views disability as a medical condition stemming from physical or mental impairments within an individual. It focuses on curing, treating, and reducing the impairment. The social model, however, views disability as caused by social and environmental barriers that prevent people from fully participating in society. It defines disability as the oppression and loss of opportunities experienced by people with impairments due to these barriers. The social model assumes that disability is a social construct and disabled people are an oppressed group. It distinguishes between impairments and the social oppression experienced. The goal is for society to remove barriers rather than focus on individuals' impairments.

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MARC VINCENT BALILING
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1K views11 pages

Disability Models: Medical vs. Social

The document discusses two main models of disability: the medical model and the social model. The medical model views disability as a medical condition stemming from physical or mental impairments within an individual. It focuses on curing, treating, and reducing the impairment. The social model, however, views disability as caused by social and environmental barriers that prevent people from fully participating in society. It defines disability as the oppression and loss of opportunities experienced by people with impairments due to these barriers. The social model assumes that disability is a social construct and disabled people are an oppressed group. It distinguishes between impairments and the social oppression experienced. The goal is for society to remove barriers rather than focus on individuals' impairments.

Uploaded by

MARC VINCENT BALILING
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MODELS

OF
DISABILITY

MEDICAL MODEL
&
SOCIAL MODEL
Social Model of Disability
• An impairment, a functional limitations within an individual caused by physical, mental or sensory
impairment.
• A disability, the loss or limitations of opportunities to take part in the normal life of the community
on an equal level with others due to physical and/or social barriers.
• A disability that originates from society, instead of disability originates within the person.

This is a disability that results from barriers in society and the environment as to
• Physical Barriers
• Attitudinal Barriers
For further explanation:
• Some children are born with an impairment, or may develop one in the course of their younger
life. This makes them different from other children. They are then subject to discrimination within
the society and are therefore doubly impaired because they are disabled by their condition and also
by society’s attitude toward them.
This happens due to the shortcomings of the society and not because of the loss of limitations of
functioning of the bodily organs of an individual.

THEREFORE:
Instead of attempting to decrease the disability level of the individuals, it is better the society
removes the barriers (with respect to physical environment, attitude of people and institutions.)
Assumptions of the Social Model

• Disabled persons are an oppressed group.

• There is a distinction between the impairment disabled people have and the oppression they
experience.

• Disability is defined as the oppression disabled people experience, rather than the form of the
impairment.
Medical Model of Disability

• An individual with disability has a physical or mental impairment or a disability


as a consequence of the Medical Condition of an individual due to dis-functioning
of physical organs.
• The Medical Model is a term used to describe one way of thinking about
disability. This view sees disability as a disease, injury, fault or genetic
predisposition.
• The aim is to fix the problem or reduce its impact.
Salient features of Medical Model
• Attention should be focus on “cure and care”
• It cannot cure completely. Adverse effects can be reduced by treatment and
training.
• Severe disabled can be admitted rehabilitation centers for care and support.
• This model seeks solution within the individual by helping them and overcome
the personal impairment.
Limitations of Medical Model

• Segregating and admitting persons with incurable disabilities in rehabilitation institutions.


Differentiate the disabled from the normal people.

• Negative Ideas are generated in employers by this model which adversely affect the livelihood of
the disabled.

• Silent on the responsibilities of the state and society in addressing the problems of disabled.

• Against the democratic thinking of “progress for all and progress with all”.
Assumptions of a Medical Model

• The problem is located in the young person

• Professional should help and look after them

• The young person wants and needs a cure

• The young person may not be able to make a decisions

• The young disabled person is not equal to non-disabled peers.


Difference between Medical Model & Social Model
Medical Model society.
• Sources of disability is located in bodily organs. • Solution is that society should adjust itself to meet
the needs and aspirations of the disabled.
• Solutions are curing treating and curing them to
return normally. • Efforts should be taken by the society to have
similar opportunities as others on equitable basis.
• Consider that it is the duty of the state and society,
• Disabled be segregated and given treatment and to help the disabled to participate fully in social
training activities.

• The extent of disability is to be reduced through


the use of necessary equipment, aids and training.

Social Model
• Due to physical and attitudinal barriers in the
Medical Model • Social Models promotes positive attitude
towards in the minds of people.
• Creates the negative Impression that the
disabled are abnormal people. • The responsibility of the society is to remove
the barriers.
• Care and support is considered as the primary
measures in dealing with the disabled.
• The society could help the disabled to
participate themselves fully in social activities.
• All kinds of disabilities cannot be fully cured.

Social Model
END OF DISCUSSION 

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