TIP SHEET 4
Understanding
models of
disability
This tip sheet will help you understand the different ways of thinking about disability.
Below you will find further information about the four
main frameworks that people use to describe disability. Definitions
These frameworks are known as the ‘models’ of Impairment: A difference or loss of function arising
disability. From an advocacy perspective, it is important from genetic factors, illness or injury.
to think about how these models can either limit or
advance the rights of people with disability. Disability: An inability to take part in everyday
activities on an equal basis with others due to
The human rights model of disability barriers that exist because of mainstream society.
This model helps us understand disability based
on basic human rights principles. The model explains
the steps in which governments around the world The social model of disability
must take to uphold, promote, and protect the rights The social model played a key role in sparking
of people with disability. The model exists because of disability rights movements in the USA, UK and
an important international document called The United Australia. This model argues that the issues people
Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with with disabilities face are created by a lack of access
Disabilities (CRPD) it recognises that: and discrimination and not because their bodies or
• Disability is a natural part of human diversity that mind are different. However, the social model does not
must be respected and supported in all its forms acknowledge the very real impact of impairment in the
• People with disability have the same rights as lives of people with disability, such as chronic pain and
everyone else in society shorter life expectancy.
• Impairment must not be used as an excuse to deny The social model:
or restrict people’s rights. • Is primarily concerned with addressing barriers that
Of relevance to advocacy work alongside LGBTIQ+ are created by mainstream society
people with disabilities is general comment #7 of the • It assumes that people with disability will be able to
CRPD which sets out a range of recommendations access the services they need once these barriers
for states to implement in order to affirm and respond have been removed.
to LGBTIQ+ human rights.
Even once these barriers have been removed, many
people with disability will still need a range of impairment
related supports in order to enjoy their rights on an
equal basis with others. The barriers that exist in
society are only one part of the puzzle.
The medical model of disability Relying on the good will of others to fund services for
people with disability, rather than recognising personal
The medical model focuses purely on a person’s
support as a right that government has an obligation
impairment and sees the person with disability as the
to support.
problem. It does not acknowledge the role society plays
in limiting access and inclusion. The Medical model
is based on two assumptions that have a dangerous
impact on the human rights of people with disabilities.
Model summary
• Firstly, it views people with disability as being Medical model – Views people with disability
incapable of performing tasks within a range that as being broken and incapable of fitting into
is through to be “normal” mainstream society.
• Secondly, it holds that disability can be used as Charitable model – Views people with disability
an excuse to restrict or deny someone’s rights and as being vulnerable, and reliant on people without
that people with disability are incapable of making disability to perform certain tasks.
important decisions about their lives
Social model – Asserts that the limitations
The medical and charitable models of disability experienced by people with disability are the
are both inconsistent with human rights principles. result of inaccessible systems and processes
As advocates, we should aim to challenge these in mainstream society.
outdated methods in all aspects of our work. But it is
Human rights model – Recognises that people
important to understand why.
with disability have the same rights as everyone
The charity model of disability else in society, and says that governments
around the world have a role to play in upholding
The charitable model is based on similar principles to these rights.
those that underpin the medical model. It grew out of
the emergence of charitable organisations that aimed
to aid people with disability. While many charities did,
and still do offer vital support, the charitable model
compromises the rights of people with disability by:
• Portraying people with disability as being reliant on
others and unable to do things for themselves
• Failing to recognise the views of people with disability
as being valuable or essential
• Failing to recognise the role society plays in restricting
access for people with disability
Tip Sheet For LGBTIQ+ groups and organisations April 2020
This content shall not be altered without prior approval from the authors.
The content for this tip sheet is adapted from DARU’s ‘How We Talk
About Disability Matters’ Guide.