There are two main
models of viewing disability.
1. Medical
model
The medical model focuses
on 'capacity' rather than abilities or
potential. This model is deficit-based. People
with physical disabilities are viewed as
'incapacitated', 'limited' and 'damaged', they
are also essentially 'tragic', albeit
inspirational 'victims'.
Definitions of physical
disability that reflect the medical model are
based on an able-bodied ideal.
Physical disability is
viewed as a medical problem and an impairment.
This model of disability has been reflected in
legislative and policy frameworks.
2. Social
model
The social model of
disability focuses on the response of society
towards physical impairment and values the
abilities and skills of people with physical
disabilities. The real source of physical
disability is the social and economic
discrimination towards people with physical
disability.
Definitions of physical
disability that reflect the social model are
based on the attitudes and exclusion from the
society.
Physical disability is
viewed as a 'problem' when society puts barriers
in the environment restricting people with
physical disability accessing and participating
in the society.
A growing body of
work, however, critiques the social model for
failing to acknowledge the realities of
impairment, pain and illness in the lives of
some people with disabilities (Shakespeare
1993)2. Others point out its inadequacy in
addressing issues for people with cognitive or
psychiatric disabilities. All argue for a more
inclusive social model.
