Models of Disability
Models of Disability
Disability is a human reality that has been perceived differently by diverse cultures and historical periods. For most of the 20th century, disability was defined according to a medical model. In the medical model, disability is assumed to be a way to characterize a particular set of largely static, functional limitations. This led to stereotyping and defining people by condition or limitations. World Health Organization (WHO) – New definition of Disability
In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a new definition of disability, declaring it an umbrella term with several components: * impairments: a problem in body function or structure * activity limitations: a difficulty encountered by a person in executing a task or action * participation restrictions: a problem experienced by a person in involvement in life situations.
Social or Human Rights – New Model
The new definition of disability: * Emphasizes the contextual * Focuses on the role played by society in defining, causing, or maintaining disability, or disabling experiences * Respects individual abilities and choices Definition of disability | OLD APPROACH | NEW PARADIGM | * A diagnosis * A medical "problem” * A person is limited and defined by the impairment or condition | * A social and environmental issue that deals with accessibility, accommodations, and equity * Individuals with temporary or permanent impairments require accommodations to live full and independent lives | Strategies to address disability | OLD APPROACH | NEW PARADIGM | * Fix the individual * Correct the deficit within the individual * Provide medical, vocational, or psychological rehabilitation services | * Remove barriers: physical, intellectual, cultural and educational * Create access through accommodations, universal design, and inclusive learning environments | Role of person with disability | OLD APPROACH | NEW PARADIGM |
Disability is a human reality that has been perceived differently by diverse cultures and historical periods. For most of the 20th century, disability was defined according to a medical model. In the medical model, disability is assumed to be a way to characterize a particular set of largely static, functional limitations. This led to stereotyping and defining people by condition or limitations. World Health Organization (WHO) – New definition of Disability
In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a new definition of disability, declaring it an umbrella term with several components: * impairments: a problem in body function or structure * activity limitations: a difficulty encountered by a person in executing a task or action * participation restrictions: a problem experienced by a person in involvement in life situations.
Social or Human Rights – New Model
The new definition of disability: * Emphasizes the contextual * Focuses on the role played by society in defining, causing, or maintaining disability, or disabling experiences * Respects individual abilities and choices Definition of disability | OLD APPROACH | NEW PARADIGM | * A diagnosis * A medical "problem” * A person is limited and defined by the impairment or condition | * A social and environmental issue that deals with accessibility, accommodations, and equity * Individuals with temporary or permanent impairments require accommodations to live full and independent lives | Strategies to address disability | OLD APPROACH | NEW PARADIGM | * Fix the individual * Correct the deficit within the individual * Provide medical, vocational, or psychological rehabilitation services | * Remove barriers: physical, intellectual, cultural and educational * Create access through accommodations, universal design, and inclusive learning environments | Role of person with disability | OLD APPROACH | NEW PARADIGM |