Understanding the Concept of Disability
A complex combination of personal, environmental, and health issues can lead to disabilities. It is a condition that limits an individual’s ability or inability to perform basic tasks. Around one billion people suffer from disability across the globe, and the number is growing as the population gets older.
Philosophers have created a variety of “models” of understanding the concept of disability. The medical model defines disability as a medical condition that requires specialized treatment and empathy and the social model suggests that disability is the result of discrimination and negative attitudes.
Medical Model
The Medical Model is the most popular model to understand disability. In this model, disability is seen as an impairment that needs to be treated or made “normal.” This view also focuses on the role of professionals with specialized training as experts in disability.
The medical model can be especially beneficial in dealing with the symptomatic aspects of a person’s disabilities however, it is usually ineffective since it does not accommodate what a person requires in general as a member of society. It can result in individuals losing their independence and self-esteem loss and the perception that they aren’t capable of governing their lives or finding a way to be accepted by their peers.
Thus, the medical model is utilized to describe disability in the media and by charities that provide services for those with disabilities. It can also be an obstacle in the field of health and education, where medical professionals who have been trained in the medical model can be considered experts in disability.disability housing melbourne
The social model of disability on the other hand, is more positive and neutral. It sees disability as a result an individual’s interaction and interactions with the social, emotional, and communication environment. The social model also views disability as a complex, multifaceted issue that requires the involvement of both individuals and the community at large.
Many scholars and disability rights advocates actually reject the medical model of disability due to the fact that it fails to recognize the necessity of social action to build a more inclusive society. Disability advocates do not focus on finding a cure or cure for people with disabilities. They aim to enhance the quality and satisfaction of people with disabilities by giving them the support they require to thrive in the community and live life that is productive and fulfilling.
Additionally, some researchers argue that the biological and social barriers faced by those with disabilities can be reduced through technological and scientific advancements. This could involve the use of somatic and genetic interventions, synthetic biology, or the cyborgization (the addition and modification of mechanical parts to the body). These innovations can enable disabled individuals to go beyond their typical bodies. This is a significant issue for the medical model.
Social Model
The social model of disability is a concept developed by disability rights activists in the 1970s and the 80s. It suggests that the origins of disability do not lie in the disability itself, but rather the social structure and perceptions in which those with disabilities live.
This is because society has created barriers that limit the ability of disabled people to live their lives as they want. These barriers can be physical, such as the need for a wheelchair or social, like stereotypes that people who are not disabled have about disabled people.
The social model acknowledges that disability is not caused by impairment. It is a different model to the medical model that views impairment as the primary cause. It also puts the burden to remove these barriers on the people within the society that create them instead of the individual with the impairment.
An excellent example of how this works is a teenager with a learning impairment who wants to live in their own home. In the social model, this person would be supported to the extent that they could pay rent on their own and reside in their own home.
This teenager may however be required to live in a community house in accordance with the medical model. This will require a lot of work from her family which includes her parents and her physiotherapist.
Although an individual with an impairment might be a burden on their family but the social model says that society has a responsibility to help the person and let them live the life they want to. It also highlights that it is up to us to all work together to remove obstacles and make our society more accessible to everyone.
A number of studies have explored how families view the concept of disability. Most of these studies are based on the assumption that families have a medical model understanding and seldom look into how these beliefs could be challenged. In some cases, however, researchers have discovered that families who understand disability as social models tend to be more supportive and more in line with policies aimed at improve the quality of services for children with disabilities.
Affirmative Model
The Affirmative Model of Disability is a view that was developed in the movement of disabled people and the disability arts, which views disability as a positive aspect of identity. This perspective is founded on the social model, however it takes an individual and emotionally based approach to comprehending disability.
It examines the social experiences of people with impairments and looks to these experiences for creating an identifiable minority group. It also examines the political, social and emotional interactions these individuals share with one another in order to create the feeling of self-acceptance as a part of a group.
This model suggests that disability isn’t an individual tragedy it is a normal part of life, just like race, religion, and gender. This is a way of thinking about disability that recognizes the different experiences of people with disabilities and makes it more acceptable and enjoyable for people with disabilities.
Many disabled people see this as a more optimistic way of tackling disability. It emphasizes the strengths of people with disabilities and helps them focus on what they can accomplish in life instead of being negatively affected by their impairments.
A common criticism of this model is that it doesn’t acknowledge the role that discrimination plays in creating disadvantage for disabled people. Discrimination due to disability can be rooted in ableism which makes those with disabilities feel less privileged. It may be rooted in prejudice which can make it difficult for them to gain access to the services they need.
The Medical Model of Disability is an alternative to this model which focuses on an individual’s disability or illness. It argues that this is the reason that the person is unable to use their legs, hear their speech or feel their emotions.
Although it may seem counterintuitive that someone suffering from a cardiac condition can be disabled, this is not the case for those who believe in a medical model. A person suffering from heart disease is not considered disabled if they can work and participate in social activities.
Some philosophers of disability are skeptical of this interpretation and argue that it does not consider the moral and legal aspects of the illness. It is difficult to determine whether the condition is just causing social prejudice is considered as a disability.
Other Models
There are many theories of disability. The most popular model of disability is the medical model which considers disability as an illness that affects the body. This model has been used for many centuries to explain how people with disabilities are treated in society.
A religious understanding of disability is also in existence. This describes it as an illness or condition caused by evil spirits, snares, or acts of another member of the family or community. This is often referred to as the Tragedy/Charity model and is the most popular way for non-disabled people explain disability.
Another popular model is the social model of disability. It is an inclusive and consumerist model of disability which is based on the idea that people with disabilities are a group. This is a great way to understand the concept of disability because it recognizes that people with disabilities are a distinct group of people and thus deserve equal access to services and opportunities as non-disabled people do.
This model of disability focuses on what an individual needs, rather than what they don’t have. This will help them make a positive impact in their lives. The social model is beneficial for teaching children about disabilities. It helps them understand that disability isn’t about their appearance and how they feel.
This is the most important part of the model, since it is this part that can change how people with disabilities view themselves within society. This could result in an end to negative attitudes that are based on stereotypes or prejudice which can prevent disabled people from having the opportunities they need and deserve.
The market model of disability recognizes that people with disabilities are consumers and should be enabled to take part in the market. This is a great opportunity for disabled people to achieve independence and lead an improved life.
Everyone can pick the type of disability that they prefer. It is worth trying all of them out to see which suits you the best.