An Investigation Into Attitudes Toward Disability

An Investigation Into Attitudes Toward Disability

In this report I will investigate peoples attitude towards disability in society today. Many people have different attitude toward disabled people. There are certain stereotypes that many people in society often link with disabled people. These are a few of those stereotypes: aggressive, tragic and in need of pity and receivers of charity. Some people see people with disabilities as incapable, inadequate and of low intelligence, a super crip, someone who is marvellous, exceptional or inspirational, a person who has courage and bravery, people that smile and are cheerful in the face if adversity or someone who is bitter with a chip on their shoulder.

To understand the different aspects of disability, two models have been created; these are the social model and the medical model. The medical model is where the disabled person is seen as being the problem; the body is seen as sick and in need of a cure. The opinion of the medical model is that a successful cure or rehabilitation will make the disabled person normal. The social model is where the medical condition of the disabled is seen as being just part of the problem.
The opinion of the social model is that society is prepared only to fulfil the needs of non disabled people. My investigation will use an access audit, and two articles to explore attitude towards disabled people and to identify any barriers they face in terms of access and attitude. I will consider what attitudes towards disabled people are suggested and communicated by these are sources. I shall highlight whether or not the sources offer a positive or negative view of disability. I shall consider the common stereotypes of disabled people and see if any of the sources reflect them.

The access audit

My access audit will be based on two sections of Stanton bury campus in Milton Keynes. I will go around the upper level and Dansteed hall