Medical Model of Disability vs. Social Model of Disability

Attribute	Medical Model of Disability	Social Model of Disability
Definition	Views disability as a medical problem that needs to be fixed or cured.	Views disability as a social construct created by barriers in society.
Focus	Focuses on the individual and their impairments or limitations.	Focuses on the environment and societal attitudes that create barriers for people with disabilities.
Approach	Seeks to cure or rehabilitate the individual to make them more "normal".	Advocates for removing barriers and creating equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
Responsibility	Places the responsibility on the individual to adapt to society's norms.	Places the responsibility on society to accommodate and include people with disabilities.

Introduction

When discussing disability, it is important to understand the different models that have been developed to explain and address the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Two prominent models are the Medical Model of Disability and the Social Model of Disability. While both models aim to provide a framework for understanding disability, they approach the concept from different perspectives and have distinct attributes.

Medical Model of Disability

The Medical Model of Disability views disability as a problem that resides within the individual. According to this model, disability is seen as a medical condition or impairment that needs to be diagnosed, treated, and cured. The focus is on the individual's limitations and deficits, with an emphasis on medical interventions to "fix" the disability. In this model, the person with a disability is often seen as a patient in need of medical care and rehabilitation.

• Focus on individual deficits
• Emphasis on medical interventions
• View of disability as a medical problem
• Person with disability seen as a patient
• Goal of treatment is to cure or manage the disability

Social Model of Disability

In contrast, the Social Model of Disability shifts the focus from the individual to society. This model views disability as a result of barriers and discrimination created by society, rather than as a personal deficit. According to the Social Model, it is not the impairment itself that disables a person, but the physical, attitudinal, and social barriers that prevent full participation and inclusion. The goal of this model is to remove these barriers and create a more inclusive and accessible society for all individuals.

• Focus on societal barriers
• Emphasis on social inclusion
• View of disability as a result of discrimination
• Person with disability seen as a product of society
• Goal of removing barriers and promoting inclusion

Comparison of Attributes

When comparing the attributes of the Medical Model of Disability and the Social Model of Disability, several key differences emerge. One of the main distinctions is the focus of each model - while the Medical Model emphasizes individual deficits and medical interventions, the Social Model highlights societal barriers and the need for social inclusion. Additionally, the Medical Model views disability as a medical problem to be cured or managed, whereas the Social Model sees disability as a result of discrimination and exclusion.

Another important difference between the two models is the way in which they perceive the person with a disability. In the Medical Model, the individual is often seen as a patient in need of medical care, while in the Social Model, the person is viewed as a product of society and its attitudes towards disability. This difference in perspective has significant implications for how individuals with disabilities are treated and supported in society.

Implications for Policy and Practice

The contrasting attributes of the Medical Model of Disability and the Social Model of Disability have important implications for policy and practice in the field of disability. Policies and practices based on the Medical Model tend to focus on medical interventions and individual rehabilitation, often overlooking the societal barriers that prevent full participation and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. On the other hand, policies and practices informed by the Social Model prioritize the removal of barriers and the promotion of social inclusion, leading to a more inclusive and accessible society for all.

By understanding the attributes of both models and their implications for policy and practice, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for individuals with disabilities. It is important to recognize the limitations of the Medical Model and the benefits of the Social Model in order to advocate for policies and practices that promote the full participation and inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society.