Introduction to Disability

G V N Gayathri
Rehabilitation Psychologist
 MODELS OF DISABILTY

• The Charity Model looks at persons with disabilities with pity and
calls for generosity to help them.

• The Medical Model -medical services to ‘repair the broken’ or ‘restore

normal functioning’.

• Charity and Medical model have a common root: the individual with
impairment is seen as the problem to be solved and responsibility for
disability lies with the person who must be ‘fixed’.
• Social model:Exclusion is created by external and environmental
barriers
“It is the society that disables us, not our impairments”.

• Disabilities are disadvantaged not because of their individual

characteristics but as a result of limitations imposed on them by
environmental and external barriers.

• Disability is thus a result of how society is organised. According to this

formulation, disability is about discrimination and social exclusion.
• The social model of disability sees "disability" as a socially created
problem and a matter of the full integration of individuals into society.

• In this model, disability is not an attribute of an individual, but rather a

complex collection of conditions, created by the social environment.
• Societal barriers to disability refer to obstacles or challenges that
individuals with disabilities may encounter in various aspects of life,
hindering their full participation and inclusion in society.

Physical Barriers

• Inaccessible Buildings and Facilities: Lack of ramps, elevators, or

accessible entrances.

• Poorly Designed Public Spaces: Sidewalks, parks, and public

transportation that are not designed with accessibility in mind can pose
challenges for people with disabilities.
Communication Barriers

• Lack of Sign Language Interpretation: Deaf individuals may face

difficulties in communication if sign language interpreters are not
available in public spaces, events, or health care settings.

• Inaccessible Information: Printed materials, websites, and digital

content that are not designed with accessibility features can be
challenging for individuals with visual or cognitive impairments.
Attitudinal Barriers

• Stigmatization and Prejudice: Negative attitudes, stereotypes, and

misconceptions about disability can lead to discrimination, exclusion,
and social isolation.

• Low Expectations: Lowered expectations about the abilities of

individuals with disabilities can limit opportunities for education,
employment, and social engagement.
 Systemic Barriers

• Lack of Inclusive Policies: Inadequate policies and regulations may

fail to address the needs of people with disabilities, leading to
systemic discrimination.

• Unemployment and Underemployment: Individuals with disabilities

may face barriers to entering the workforce due to employer bias, lack
of accommodations, or inaccessible workplaces.
Health care Barriers

• Inaccessible Medical Facilities: Lack of accessible examination

tables, diagnostic equipment, and medical information can impede
health care access for individuals with disabilities.

• Communication Challenges: Health care professionals may not be

adequately trained in communicating with patients who have various
types of disabilities.
Educational Barriers

• Lack of Inclusive Education: Limited accessibility in schools, inadequate

support services, and a lack of inclusive teaching practices can hinder the
education of students with disabilities.

• Social Exclusion: Bullying, isolation, and a lack of social opportunities

can impact the social well-being of students with disabilities.
Causes of Disabilities

• Congenital (present at birth)

• Acquired (developed after birth)

 Congenital Causes

• Genetic Factors: Inherited genetic mutations or chromosomal

abnormalities can contribute to various congenital disabilities.
Conditions like Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and muscular
dystrophy are examples of genetic disorders.
• Birth Defects: Structural or functional abnormalities that occur during
fetal development can lead to congenital disabilities. These defects may
result from genetic factors, exposure to certain medications or
substances during pregnancy, or other unknown causes.
• Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely may experience
developmental issues and be at a higher risk of certain disabilities due
to incomplete organ and system development.
 Perinatal Causes

• Complications during Pregnancy: Infections, maternal malnutrition,

exposure to toxins, and certain medical conditions during pregnancy
can increase the risk of developmental issues or disabilities in the
unborn child.

• Birth Trauma: Difficulties during the birthing process, such as lack of

oxygen or physical trauma, can lead to disabilities. Conditions like
cerebral palsy may result from birth-related complications.
 Acquired Causes

• Illness or Injury: Diseases, infections, or injuries that occur after birth can
lead to disabilities. For example, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord
injuries, and certain infections can result in long-term impairments.
• Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune
diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders can cause disabilities over time.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental hazards, pollutants,
or toxins can contribute to disabilities. For instance, lead exposure or
exposure to certain chemicals can have adverse effects on neurological
development.
• Accidents and Trauma: Serious accidents, falls, or injuries, particularly
those affecting the head or spinal cord, can result in disabilities.
Infections and Diseases

• Infectious Diseases: Certain infections during pregnancy or early

childhood can increase the risk of disabilities. For example, rubella
(German measles) during pregnancy can lead to congenital disabilities.

• Neurological Diseases: Diseases affecting the nervous system, such as

multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease, can
cause disabilities as they progress.
Malnutrition and Lack of Access to Health care

• Malnutrition: Inadequate nutrition, especially during critical periods of

growth and development, can contribute to physical and cognitive
disabilities.

• Lack of Access to Health care: Limited access to medical care,

vaccinations, and preventive measures can lead to disabilities due to
untreated or poorly managed health conditions.
PREVALENCE

• An estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. This

represents 16% of the world’s population (WHO,2023).

• Census 2011 and recently held 76th round of the National Sample Survey
(NSS) estimates the prevalence of disability was 2.2% in India.
TYPES OF DISABILITIES
RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY ACT, 2016

• United Nations Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities (UNCRPD),

2007.

• The UNCRPD proclaims that disability results from an interaction of impairments

with attitudinal and environmental barriers which hinders full and active
participation in society on an equal basis.

• The preamble of this act clearly states that it aims to uphold the dignity of every
Person with Disability (PwD) in the society and prevent any form of
discrimination. The act also facilitates full acceptance of people with disability
and ensures full participation and inclusion of such persons in the society.
1.Blindness 13. Specific Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia)
2. Low-vision
14. Multiple Sclerosis
3. Leprosy Cured persons
4. Hearing Impairment (deaf and hard of 15. Speech and Language disability
hearing)
5. Locomotor Disability 16. Thalassemia
6. Dwarfism
17. Hemophilia
7. Intellectual Disability
8. Mental Illness 18. Sickle Cell disease
9. Autism Spectrum Disorder
19. Multiple Disabilities including deaf-
10. Cerebral Palsy blindness
11. Muscular Dystrophy
12. Chronic Neurological conditions 20. Acid Attack victim

21. Parkinson's disease

MANAGEMENT OF DISABILITIES

• Early Intervention

• Medical Care and Rehabilitation

• Educational Support

• Assistive Technologies
• Social and Emotional Support

• Accessible Environments

• Employment and Vocational Support

• Legal Protections
• Community Inclusion and Participation

• Continued Research and Innovation

• Transition Planning

• Empowerment and Advocacy

“Nothing about us without us”
Thank You