South Yorkshire Centre For Inclusive Living

Models of Disability

The disability movement in Britain has set about trying to define the necessary elements that need to be in place in order for Independent Living to be successful for disabled people. These we originally defined by Derbyshire Coalition of Disabled People and became known as:

The Seven Basic Needs

These are:

• Information
• Counseling
• Housing
• Technical Aids
• Personal Assistance
• Transport
• Access

By adopting the seven needs approach and working to the Social Model of Disability SYCIL, when first established in 1995, got together with folks from other Centres for Inclusive Living (CIL's) to discuss how best to move forward on the idea of a CIL for Doncaster.

Medical Model of Disability

Traditionally disability has always been viewed through the medical model, which starts in the main from a non-disabled person's perspective of what constitutes the normal world. The model determines what disabled people can and cannot do by referring to a given medical diagnosis. This model sees the disabled person as the problem. As disabled people we are expected to be adapted to fit into the world. If this is not possible then we are cut off from society isolated in our own homes or institutionalised where only our basic needs are met.

We are considered "defective", "different" or "not normal" and are often described in negative terms / language;

• "housebound"
• "confined" to a wheelchair
• unable to make decisions
• can't cope
• having a chip on our shoulder
• having "special needs"
• in need of a doctor or a cure
• dependent

To understand disability as something experienced from day to day, we need to look beyond medical facts and individual impairment as this only gives a small percentage of what really disables people.

The Social Model of Disability

The Social Model looks at the way society disables people;

• A person who uses a building cannot get into the building because there is no ramp
• A person with a visual impairment cannot read the leaflet because it is not in an accessible format e.g. Braille, large print or audio
• A person with a hearing impairment found it difficult in yesterdays meeting because there was no induction loop fitted

The Social Model makes a clear distinction between impairment and disability. Impairment refers to biological characteristics of the body and mind. Disability refers to society's failure to address the needs of disabled people. Social Model focuses on those things that can be changed. From a Social Model perspective Disabled People are equal citizens, have equal rights of access and must never be prejudged because of any evident impairment. Using the social model it is clear where discrimination takes place and what measures need to be taken to eradicate it. The focus is on changing the physical environment, policies and practices and the myths and stereotypes upon which people's understanding of disabled people are based.

More information, articles and academic papers on the social model of disability and other disability issues are available at;

Sycil's Training Page

The British Council of Disabled People (BCODP)

"Social Model or Unsociable Muddle?" from:Disability Awareness in Action

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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