Models of Disability

As the name suggests, the Charity Model of Disability was established due to the rise in support from charitable organisations for people with disability. While good in intent, the charity model paints people with disability as passive recipients of charity rather than capable members of society with unique experiences, skills and opinions. 

The charity model of disability views people with disability as vulnerable and reliant in order to perform tasks.

(With Respect 2020 & DARU 2019)

The medical model of disability implies that disability is a hardship and focuses on what people with disability cannot do, rather than what they can do. This model looks at what is wrong with the person and not what the person needs.

The medical model of disability views disability as a medical issue that needs to be treated or its impacts minimised. This responsibility is put solely on the individual with disability.

The Social Model of Disability holds a more contemporary view and defines disability as the result of interactions between people with disability and a society where physical, attitudinal, communication and social barriers exist. 

The Social Model of Disability acknowledges that the issue of poor accessibility is a societal problem, not an individual one. It doesn't deny the impact of disability on a person or that people with disability may have medical needs, rather, the social model of disability implies that disability is simply a difference like race or gender and that society needs to adapt to allow people with disability to be fully participating and equal citizens.

The social model of disability considers that it's the environment that is inaccessible. This can be through physical spaces, language, services and communication. The individual receives prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination against them. Services are inflexible in their procedures and practice.

(With Respect 2020 & DARU 2019)