Summary of Medical versus Social Models of Disability | Inclusion Solutions
Summary of Main Ideas and Concepts
- Medical Model of Disability:
- Views Disability as a problem located within the individual.
- Focuses on the Impairment or condition itself.
- Sees the person as needing to be "fixed" or "cured" to conform to societal norms.
- Emphasizes medical interventions such as surgeries, medications, or therapies.
- Neglects broader environmental or societal factors that affect the person.
- Social Model of Disability:
- Distinguishes between Impairment and Disability.
- Defines Disability as the interaction between a person’s Impairment and societal/environmental Barriers.
- Highlights that Barriers, negative attitudes, and social exclusion limit Participation.
- Advocates for changing society and environments to enable full Participation of people with disabilities.
- Defines key terms:
- Impairment: A long-term change in the body’s structure or function, physical or otherwise.
- Barriers: Obstacles in the environment that prevent or limit Participation, either due to their presence or absence.
- Participation: Engagement in meaningful, culturally appropriate, and age-appropriate activities.
- Emphasizes that Disability arises not just from Impairment but from the interaction with societal Barriers.
- Importance of Perspective:
- How society views Disability influences responses and policies.
- Encourages a collective responsibility to create Inclusive Communities.
- Promotes shifting focus from “fixing” individuals to removing societal Barriers.
Lessons Conveyed
- Disability should be understood as a social issue, not just a medical one.
- Inclusion requires addressing environmental and attitudinal Barriers.
- Participation in society is a key measure of inclusion.
- Everyone has a role in fostering inclusivity for people with disabilities.
Speakers or Sources Featured
The video appears to be narrated by a single, unnamed presenter explaining the concepts of medical and social models of Disability. No other speakers or sources are explicitly mentioned.
Category
Educational