Models of Disability

A model attempts to provide a

framework about how disability is
understood and talked about

The way language, representations and

What is a ideas about disability come together

conceptual model of
disability? Different lens’ to view the same
‘problem’

If we understand the models, we can be

critical of their application and some of
the issues that arise
 • Models of disability influence the language
we use to describe disability
• Affect the way in which disability is
Application understood
• Influences beliefs, values, attitudes about
of conceptual disability

models • Influences policy and practices

• Language influences what we expect from
people with disability and how we interact

• Person with a disability OR Disabled person

Discourse
• The underlying/ unspoken values and thoughts
• The way we think and talk about people with disability

• Those with power are generally the ones who create discourse (in this case the
models of disability)

• Can you think of the main steam media discourse about disability?
• How are people with disability represented?
 Provide a range of conceptual lens’
Guide definitions and understanding of disability
Have underlying values and assumptions
Conceptual Influenced and developed by those who hold the
models of power
Disability Influence the language and discourse we have
about disability
Influence self-identity of people with disability
Can be discriminatory and produce ableism

“…(the models) co-exist and or become dominant

in particular places” (Devlieger, 2005, p 6)
Medical vs Social model of disability
Conceptual models of disability
Human
Medical Social Biomedical ICF
Rights

Identity Cultural Charity Religious Diversity

And
others…..
 Medical
Model

Image: https://gmcdp.com/beliefs-values-aims/social-model
Medical Model of Disability

• Influenced by medical professionals and medical science

• Dominant in health and other ‘systems’
• Dominant in NDIS

Underlying assumptions:
• Disability is a medical problem or impairment, abnormality or defect
• Disability resides with the individual (individual is faulty)
• Disability should be cured, or fixed to allow the person to be as normal as possible
• People with disability need shelter and welfare
Medical Model of Disability cont.

Result
• Disability understood as abnormal and something to be fixed
• Disability seen as a tragedy and worthy of pity
• Able bodied person viewed as superior (ableism)
• Only addresses medical issue, fails to see other aspects of people’s lives
• Power with medical profession as those to fix the problem
• People with disability cast in ‘sick role’
• Creation of guardianship law (for people with mental health conditions and intellectual
disability)
• Deficit or incapacity approach to disability
• Institutionalisation
• Medical technology and interventions
 Social
Model

Image: https://gmcdp.com/beliefs-values-aims/social-model
Social Model of Disability

• Conceptualised as a result of activism by people with disability

• Draws attention to the limitations of the medical model
• Understands that disability is a result of society and community barriers

Underlying assumptions
• People are disabled because of society and social conditions which need to be eliminated
• Disability is socially constructed come about through discrimination and oppression
• Disability is a result of physical and social environments which impose limitations
• People with disability are oppressed
• Individual with disability not the problem, society is
Social Model of Disability Cont.

Result
• Some people with disability feel liberated
• Impairments are often part of the experience of disability, but this is not
recognised by this model
• People with disability not viewed as the problem
• Potential to influence social change
• Reduces ableism
• Doesn’t address elements of disability that may be alleviated by medical support
 • Often compared (dichotomized)
• Often presented as “the two
Medical model models of disability”

vs Social model • In fact, they coexist and become

dominant in different places
 Identity Model of Disability
• Conceptualised by people with disability

Underlying assumptions
• Very similar to the social model
• Focusses on disability as a positive identity
• Disability is socially constructed
• Acknowledges that some elements of disability may be alleviated by medical support, but rejects the medical model
Result
• Having a disability gives membership to minority group (similar to race or gender)
• Encourages people with disability to be part of a collective identity and promote change
• Positive self- image and disability pride
 Human Rights Model of Disability

• Closely aligned to social model

• Acknowledges identity model
• Allows for broader understanding of disability

Underlying assumptions
• Disability is socially constructed
• Also includes human rights framework, human dignity and social justice
• Acknowledges that some people with disability experience challenges beyond those
socially constructed
 Human Rights Model cont.

Result
• Same as Social model and Identity model
• People with disability may feel more empowered due to the rights based
framework
• Acknowledges life circumstances and experience of disability and applies social
justice framework
• Advocates for social change, legislative change and human rights
International
Classification
of Functioning
(ICF)
 Religious Model of Disability

 Oldest model of disability

 Influenced by religious values
 Disability is an act of God
 Often more dominant in different cultures

Underlying assumptions:
• Disability is a punishment from God (for person with disability or family)
• Disability as evil spirit
• Disability is a test of faith
Result:
• People with disabilities and their families excluded or institutionalized
• Disability viewed as being mystical and person viewed as cursed
• Can lead to infanticide or abandonment
 Charity Model of Disability
• Related to the religious model, people with disability viewed as being in need of help

Underlying assumptions
• People with disability are victims of their disability and should be pitied
• Able bodied people should assist people with disability wherever possible (ableism – superior able bodied)
• People with disability need special services because they are different

Result
• People with disability feel helpless
• People with disability are dependent and rely on others for their wellbeing
• Often produces harmful stereotypes of people with disability
• Special schools, institutions, sheltered workshops
 A child who is a wheelchair user is unable to attend her local school because
most of the buildings are not wheelchair accessible

Viewed through different conceptual lens’

Medical model
The child with disability is the problem, because she is unable to use the same buildings the other children can access. The
child may need to be fixed to fit the school environment or segregated into special environment.

Charitable model
The child’s needs would best be met through specialised support that cannot be provided in a mainstream school.

Social model
The school is the problem, because it has not been designed to be accessible to all children.

Human rights model

The child has the right to access the school of her choosing and requires governments to put legislation, guidelines and
standards in place to ensure all school premises are fully accessible. It also requires governments to provide the child with
any additional support she may need to facilitate her full and equal participation in school life.
• http://www.daru.org.au/how-we-talk-about-disability-matters/how-do-the-four-models-compare-in-practice
Key points

• Models provide a conceptual lens in which disability is understood

• Co-exist and are dominant in different areas
• Influence the language used, assumptions and values held

• Important to understand their influence, especially where they are

dominant

• You may like to think about which conceptual model has influenced the way
in which your understanding of disability has been constructed…….