Models of Disability
By Anitra Rowe Schulte
How do you think about disability?
Each of us has a mental model - or way that we view disability - even if we don’t realize it. Based on our perceptions, understanding and life experiences, we all have beliefs and assumptions. We all make generalizations and rationalizations. It’s simply human nature.
When we talk about disability, our mental model shapes the things that we say… or don’t say, and the questions that we ask… or don’t ask.
If you ever feel discomfort talking about disability, it could be because you’ve outgrown the mental model you’ve used for years. Perhaps you can feel that it’s outdated and know it’s time for a change.
But what’s next? What model could you use instead?
As an employee at The Nora Project, one of the first things I learned about was Models of Disability. It sounds kind of academic, so you might think that the concept isn’t something that everyone needs to know about in order to be an advocate for inclusion – but it’s actually critical.
In order to ensure that disability is celebrated and viewed as human diversity, so that we can all move toward a more equitable society, we need to know and understand what models we subscribe to.
There are multiple models of disability. The best ones honor people as they are. In this post, we are focusing on the three most prevalent models: medical, social and biopsychosocial. One of these models has been widely used and perpetuated for centuries, causing great harm.
Can you spot the model that needs to go?
The Medical Model
Disability is a problem that exists inside a person’s body.
Disabled means less able.
If you are disabled, you are sick.
Disabled people’s lives would be better if they could be fixed or cured.
People with disabilities need special settings, special services and special caregivers.
Disabled people have less meaningful relationships and play a less active role in society.
A person’s impairment is the reason why they cannot participate fully in society.
Example:
A wheelchair user wants to access an ice cream shop, but there is no ramp. The medical model says that the person’s inability to enter the shop is due to the person’s impairment. The problem is the person’s impairment, not the building’s lack of access.
The Social Model
Disability is a social construct.
Impairments are not the cause of disability.
Lack of access and support disenfranchises people with disabilities.
Societal attitudes are what disable people and keep them from fulfilling their potential.
Government, businesses and individuals create barriers that disable.
It is society’s responsibility to enable - to find solutions, take action and remove barriers.
Example:
A wheelchair user wants to access an ice cream shop, but there is no ramp. The social model says that the individual is disabled only by the lack of a ramp to the building, which removes access, independence and opportunity.
The Biopsychosocial Model
Impairments can be a part of a person’s identity and a source of pride.
Those impairments can also at times impact a person’s ability to do certain tasks.
Biology and physiology are part of disability.
But thoughts, emotions and behaviors (psychology) and societal factors also play a role.
Wellbeing depends on a holistic understanding and integration of all aspects of disability.
Example:
A wheelchair user wants to access an ice cream shop, but there is no ramp. The biopsychosocial model says that a person’s motor impairment, which is part of their identity, may prevent the person from accessing the stairs, but a ramp removes this barrier, enabling universal access and improving quality of life.
Did you grow up believing the medical model, but now recognize that it is inaccurate and harmful?
When we know better, we can do better. We can choose a new model.
We can change the way we think about disability and challenge the systems that perpetuate exclusion and segregation.
Want to learn more about the models of disability, and why the medical model, in particular, is outdated and harmful? Check out these TEDx Talks, which reveal the barriers that the medical model erects in society and in our environments. Each talk is excellent and not to be missed:
Judith Heumann: Our fight for disability rights and why we’re not done yet
Haben Girma: Why I work to remove access barriers for students with disabilities
Liam Doyle: The view from here - my path to disability advocacy
Looking for another resource to learn more about the various models of disability? Emily Ladau references several models in her book Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally.
We’ll dig into the models of disability further in an upcoming webinar, as well. Join The Nora Project at 7:30 p.m. Central on Thursday, Aug. 11, for Disability 101 - a webinar and conversation about disability history and disability awareness, where you’ll learn about disability as diversity and how to be an advocate for inclusion and positive social change. Led by Chief Program Officer Katy Fattaleh and Director of Professional Development Jordyn Zimmerman, Disability 101 informs and educates, giving participants an accurate picture of disability and the confidence to talk about it.
Webinar: 60 minutes
Cost: $25
Unable to join live? A recording will be sent to all registered participants the following day.
And, in case you missed it, check out our Nora Notes post Looking at Language: How we talk about disability, where The Nora Project team takes a close look at five commonly used phrases that cause harm.
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