Models of disability

Models of disability are analytic tools in disability studies used to articulate different ways disability is conceptualized by individuals and society broadly.[1][2] Disability models are useful for understanding disagreements over disability policy,[2] teaching people about ableism,[3] providing disability-responsive health care,[3] and articulating the life experiences of disabled people.[4]

The most frequently discussed models are the Medical model of disability, which views disablement as caused by medical disorders; and the Social model of disability which instead views disablement being a result of societal exclusion and discrimination.[5]

Different models can be combined: the medical model is frequently combined with the tragedy model, which views disability as a personal misfortune. Together they form hegemonic views of disability in Western society.[5] Other models exist in direct opposition: the affirmation model, which views disability as a positive form of social identity, is inherently incompatible with the tragedy model.[5]

Different models can be used to describe contrasting disabilities: for example, an autistic person who also has Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome may view their autism through the affirmation model, but their ME/CFS through the medical model.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference berghs was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference highed was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Lunsford, Christopher D.; Quirici, Marion (1 June 2023). "Disability Justice and Anti-ableism for the Pediatric Clinician" (PDF). Pediatric Clinics of North America. 70 (3): 615–628. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2023.01.015. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference anthro was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference goldiner was invoked but never defined (see the help page).