Disability can be understood through various models, each offering a different perspective on how society perceives and addresses disabilities. The key models of disability are:
1. Medical Model
Views disability as a medical problem that needs to be treated or cured.
Focuses on rehabilitation, surgery, and medication to "fix" the individual.
Places responsibility on doctors and healthcare professionals.
Criticized for ignoring social and environmental barriers.
2. Social Model
Proposes that disability is caused by societal barriers, not the individual's condition.
Focuses on accessibility, inclusion, and removing discrimination.
Advocates for ramps, sign language, braille, and workplace accommodations.
Promotes independence and equal opportunities.
3. Biopsychosocial Model
A combination of the medical and social models.
Recognizes that disability results from both biological impairments and social/environmental factors.
Emphasizes medical care, psychological support, and social inclusion.
Used in modern disability assessments, like WHO’s ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health).
4. Charity Model
Sees disabled individuals as dependent on society’s kindness and donations.
Encourages sympathy rather than empowerment.
Criticized for reinforcing pity-based attitudes instead of promoting rights.
5. Human Rights Model
Treats disability as a fundamental human rights issue.
Emphasizes legal protection, equal opportunities, and anti-discrimination laws.
Basis for policies like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Focuses on empowerment, dignity, and independence.
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