Chapter – 02 : Model and theory related to disability

Models of disability are different ways of understanding disability and the

experiences of persons with disabilities. These models explain the causes
of disability and how society should respond to it.
A “model of disability” is a way of thinking about what disability is and where
the problem lies—either in the person’s body or in society’s response to
difference. These models shape laws, services, and everyday attitudes
toward people with disabilities.
The Model of Disability refers to different theoretical frameworks and
perspectives that explain and help understand disability. These models
influence society’s attitudes, policies, and approaches toward persons with
disabilities. Different models focus on different causes, experiences, and
solutions related to disability.

Main Model of Disability

Medical Model of DISABILITY
Medical Model of Disability The medical model of disability views disability primarily as a
problem of the individual, caused by illness, injury, or medical conditions. It focuses on
diagnosis, treatment, and cure, aiming to fix or manage the impairment so that the person
can fit into society.

“In the medical model, medical care is viewed as the main issue, and at the political level,
the principal response is that of modifying or reforming health care policy.” Disabled
World

Example: A person who is blind would be offered surgery or assistive devices like a
prosthetic eye to “fix” the disability.

Characteristics of the Medical Model:

● It sees disability as a result of physical or mental impairment within the individual.

● It emphasizes diagnosis, treatment, and medical intervention.

● It treats the person as “sick” or “abnormal” needing correction.

● It focuses on limitations rather than abilities or social barriers.

● It often neglects the influence of environmental and societal factors on disability.

Functions of the Medical Model:
● It provides a framework for healthcare professionals to identify and treat impairments.

● It guides the development of medical treatments, therapies, and rehabilitation

programs.

● It helps in standardizing medical approaches to various disabilities.

● It contributes to research in medicine and health sciences for improving patient

outcomes.

● It creates awareness of the medical needs and challenges of disabled individuals.

Social Model of Disability

The social model of disability

The social model of disability views disability as a result of barriers in society rather than
an individual’s impairment. It emphasizes that social, environmental, and attitudinal
factors restrict participation and inclusion, and that these barriers, not the impairment
itself, disable people.

The social model is generally the preferred model when thinking about disability. The
social model has been adopted by most disabled people’s organisations. In August 2014
the social model was endorsed by the Government Equalities Office who recommended
the model for use by all government departments in the way they interact with disabled
people. “The way society is conceptualised causes disability, rather than a person’s
impairment or difference.” –

Example: A person using a wheelchair isn’t disabled by their condition but by the
presence of stairs and the absence of ramps.

Characteristics of the Social Model:

● It sees disability as caused by social and environmental barriers, not the individual’s
condition.

● It focuses on removing barriers to enable full participation in society.

● It emphasizes the abilities and rights of disabled individuals rather than their
limitations.

● It promotes inclusion, accessibility, and equality.

● It considers societal attitudes, policies, and physical environments as key factors

in disabling people.
Functions of the Social Model:

● It encourages the development of inclusive policies, laws, and practices.

● It raises awareness about the need for accessible environments and services.

● It empowers disabled individuals to participate fully in social, educational, and

professional life.

● It shifts the focus from “fixing” the person to changing society to be more
accommodating.

● It promotes advocacy and social change to reduce discrimination and stigma

Rights-Based Model of Disability

The Rights-Based Model of Disability believes that persons with disabilities have the
same human rights and freedoms as everyone else.

This model focuses on protecting their rights and ensuring equal participation in society.

According to this model:

Disability is not a person’s weakness. The real problem is discrimination and barriers in
society. Society and government are responsible for ensuring equal rights and
opportunities.

Main Features
• Equality and non-discrimination
• Equal access to education, healthcare, and employment
• Social inclusion and participation
• Respect for dignity and independence
• Legal protection of disability rights

Objectives
• To empower persons with disabilities
• To remove social and environmental barriers
• To ensure equal opportunities in all areas of life
• Examples
• Inclusive education systems
• Accessible public transport and buildings
• Equal employment opportunities
• Laws protecting disability rights
Intervention Model: The intervention model aims to address the immediate needs of
individuals with disabilities through targeted actions. This can include medical
treatment, therapy, or educational programs designed to improve functioning, reduce
limitations, and support adaptation to challenges.

Rehabilitation Model: The rehabilitation model emphasizes restoring or

improving the abilities of individuals with disabilities. It focuses on developing skills,
enhancing independence, and enabling participation in daily life through physical,
occupational, or psychological therapies, often within a structured rehabilitation
program.

Charity Model: The charity model views people with disabilities primarily as recipients
of care and support. It emphasizes providing aid, resources, or protection from society,
often portraying disabled individuals as dependent or in need of pity rather than
recognizing their rights or potential for autonomy.

Prevention Model: The prevention model focuses on reducing the incidence of

disability through measures that prevent injury, disease, or congenital conditions. It
emphasizes public health strategies, early detection, and medical interventions to
minimize the risk of disabilities occurring in the population

Main Objectives

• Prevent diseases and injuries

• Reduce the risk of disability
• Promote healthy lifestyles
• Provide early treatment and intervention

Types of Prevention
1. Primary Prevention

Prevents disability before it happens. Examples:

• Vaccination
• Proper nutrition
• Safe drinking water
• Maternal healthcare

2. Secondary Prevention

Early detection and treatment to reduce disability.

Examples:
 • Health screening
• Early diagnosis
• Regular medical checkups
3. Tertiary Prevention

Reduces the impact of existing disability and improves quality of life.

Examples:

• Rehabilitation services
• Physiotherapy
• Special education and training

Cultural Model: The cultural model of disability highlights that disability is not
inherently negative but is shaped by cultural attitudes, beliefs, and practices. It
recognizes the existence of disabled cultures and identities and emphasizes the
importance of cultural diversity within the disability community.

Identity-First Model: Some individuals and advocacy groups prefer to use an

identity first language, such as “disabled person,” rather than person-first language
like “person with a disability.” This model places the disability identity at the forefront,
highlighting that disability is an integral part of a person’s identity and should not be
separated from it.

Empowerment Model: This model emphasizes the importance of empowering

individuals with disabilities to make choices, have control over their lives, and be
active participants in decision-making processes related to their well-being and
inclusion in society. It’s important to note that these models are not mutually exclusive,
and different models may be more applicable in different contexts or for different
individuals. The choice of model can significantly impact how society perceives and
interacts with people with disabilities, as well as how policies and services are designed
and implemented to support them. In recent years, there has been a growing
recognition of the importance of adopting more inclusive and rights-based.

Biopsychosocial Model: This model considers disability as a complex

interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors. It acknowledges that
both individual characteristics (biological and psychological) and external factors
(social and environmental) contribute to disability.

Psychological Model of Disability

The Psychological Model of Disability focuses on the emotional, mental, and behavioural
effects of disability on a [Link] model explains how thoughts, feelings, attitudes,
and mental health influence the experience of disability.

How Do Social Workers Play These Roles in Disability Prevention?

Social workers play important roles in the Prevention Model of Disability by helping
individuals, families, and communities reduce the risk of disability and improve quality
of life.

Roles of Social Workers

1. Awareness Creation

Social workers educate people about:

• Healthy lifestyles
• Vaccination
• Nutrition
• Maternal and child healthcare
• Prevention of accidents and diseases
2. Counseling and Guidance

They provide counseling to:

• Persons with disabilities

• Parents and family members
• Pregnant mothers
• Children with developmental problems

3. Early Identification

Social workers help identify disabilities at an early stage by:

• Organizing health checkups

• Referring people to doctors or specialists
• Monitoring child development

4. Community Mobilization

They encourage community participation in:

• Health campaigns
• Sanitation programs
• Disability awareness programs
 • Inclusive social activities

5. Advocacy

Social workers advocate for:

• Equal rights
• Accessible healthcare
• Inclusive education
• Government support and services

6. Rehabilitation Support

They help persons with disabilities through:

• Rehabilitation programs
• Vocational training
• Emotional support
• Social integration

7. Coordination of Services

Social workers connect people with:

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• NGOs
• Government welfare services