How to be seen: The Social or Medical Model of Disability
- Mable Green
- Aug 16
- 4 min read
We live in a world where if something is broken, we should fix it or it's not fit for purpose. We have a set of values and attitudes that define what is normal, and we aspire to be that. Society sets out the rules of how we should be and act, which is the norm. The Medical or Social model of disability defines our contribution to society if we seem to have a disability.
What is normal?
What's wrong with not being normal? Covering up our insecurities may lead to many mental health issues.
Disability has become a health issue, a discrimination issue and a human rights issue.
The medical model
The Medical model is led and defined by medical opinion. People are identified by their illness or disability, which must be fixed. Their reason for living becomes about having treatment to change themselves to fit in with most of society. The abnormalities and dysfunctions make up their diagnosis. Doctors and Scientists see this as a negative thing. Labels and diagnoses set people apart as different via a defined assessment and criteria, with segregation and alternative services provided. History shows how they have been excluded or shut away.
They look at what is wrong with the person and what sets them apart from the average person. Their impairments stand out, not the human being underneath. To survive, we need to fit in.
The medical model looks at what is 'wrong' with the person, not what the person needs. We believe it creates low expectations and leads people to lose independence, choice and control. -scope.org.uk
Social Model
The Social Model believes that society creates barriers that dis- enable people. These barriers are Attitudinal, environmental, organisational, and communicational.
A 'reasonable adjustment' is a change to remove or reduce the effect of an employee's disability so they can do their job, or a job applicant's disability when applying for a job.
Attitudinal
What society defines as normal creates judgments and values that people use to understand their world. This can be as exclusive or inclusive as you want to be. Fads and fashion make people feel at ease or uncomfortable with their peers if social media defines it.
Organisational
A person can go to work and live a 'normal life' if they can gain access to places of work and leisure by adding dropped kerbs and lifts. Policies and procedures allow people to be safe in their workplace with regard to employment and managing their work. Using assisted technology and flexible working conditions makes employment achievable.
Physical ability
If people cannot leave their homes and are made dependent on others, they will not feel very good about themselves. The deaf or partially sighted may be unable to navigate their way to work; with support, they could contribute valuable skills to an employer. A dyslexic person may be unable to read signs or write their name. An autistic person may feel anxious about meeting people as they struggle to understand and navigate their way within social groups, plus their work environment may be sensorily overwhelming.
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Communication
Communication barriers would involve reading, writing, hearing, and understanding. Processing information quickly enough is sometimes an issue for the more able autistic children, as it affects their perceived intelligence, even though they do understand. Assisted technology and understanding are easy to implement.
Valuing diversity
We are all different and have individual needs that need valuing. The survival of any species depends on diversity and adaptation. People who think differently have a lot to offer this ever-evolving society. Google is one of many companies that values neurodiverse people. They think differently. Creativity can solve problems that an atypical employee may not see. Many minds are working together to design the future of technology.
The Social Model accepts differences.
Every person's differences need to be valued. We have equal rights and access to society, with free choice, autonomy, and informed consent regarding our lives.
The Social model believes that a person is not disabled; they are disabled by the barriers in their life. The community or an employer can adjust working conditions to support their employees. Everyone has design faults that need support; that's what makes us human.
Support is made available to those who need it without discrimination and judgment. Labels and diagnoses trap them, I am me, and you are.... autistic! A label brings with it so many judgments, opinions and discriminatory beliefs.
“Factors in a person’s environment that, through their absence or presence, limit functioning and create disability. These include aspects such as:
A physical environment that is not accessible,
lack of relevant assistive technology (assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices),
negative attitudes of people towards disability,
Services, systems and policies that are either nonexistent or hinder the involvement of all people with a health condition in all areas of life.”
Support and Education
A statement of needs can give a child support; for some, identification means discrimination. More education is needed to be able to identify behaviour and support.
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