Human Rights Model of Disability - Featuring Ellie the Equality Emu

Summary

In this fable, Ellie the Emu faces accessibility issues with a new bird feeder, highlighting different perspectives on disability. The 'medical model' suggests fixing Ellie's wings, which she rejects. The 'charitable model' offers temporary support, but Ellie seeks independence. The 'social model' identifies societal barriers, advocating for change. Finally, the 'human rights model' empowers Ellie to take action, leading to a solution where all birds enjoy treats together, symbolizing the dismantling of inequity.

Takeaways

• 🦩 Ellie is an Emu who loves her community but faces accessibility issues with the new seed box.
• 🔔 The arrival of the seed box is a moment of excitement but also a challenge for Ellie.
• 🚫 The seed box is inaccessible to Ellie, highlighting a barrier within the bird community.
• 👩‍⚕️ The medical model of disability is introduced, suggesting that Ellie's body is the problem and needs fixing.
• 🙅‍♀️ Ellie rejects the medical model, preferring to embrace her natural form and abilities.
• 🤗 The charitable model is presented, offering temporary solutions but not addressing the root cause of the problem.
• 🌐 The social model of disability is introduced, shifting the focus to societal barriers and the need for systemic change.
• 🦜 Kevin the Kiwi brings a perspective from New Zealand, emphasizing the universality of the issue.
• 🕊️ Ellie and Kevin's patience is tested as they wait for society to address the problem, but no immediate action is taken.
• 🥋 The human rights model of disability is introduced, advocating for the right to dismantle and improve inaccessible systems.
• 💪 Ellie takes action by using a 'karate kick' to bring down the inaccessible seed box, symbolizing the empowerment of individuals to effect change.
• 🎉 The story concludes with all birds enjoying the treats together, illustrating the benefits of an inclusive and accessible community.

Q & A

What kind of animal is Ellie in the story?

Ellie is an Emu.

What is Ellie's relationship with other birds in the story?

Ellie loves being with her feathered friends and participating as an equal member in the bird community.

What event causes excitement among the birds, including Ellie?

The arrival of a new seed box that promises sweet, sweet bird treats.

What problem does Ellie face when the seed box arrives?

The seed box is not accessible to Ellie because she can't reach the treats due to her inability to fly.

How do the birds in white coats propose to 'fix' Ellie?

They suggest making Ellie's wings work like the other birds so she can fly up to the seed box, which represents the medical model of disability.

What does Ellie think of the idea proposed by the birds in white coats?

Ellie doesn't like the idea because she likes her wings and body the way they are.

What alternative solution do the friendly birds propose to help Ellie?

They plan to raise money to buy special birdseed for Ellie to eat out of their wings, which represents the charitable model of disability.

Why is Ellie not satisfied with the charitable model of disability?

Ellie doesn't want to rely on other birds for her bird snacks; she wants to get them on her own terms and choose when she gets them.

Who is Kevin and what does he suggest about the problem?

Kevin is a kiwi from New Zealand who suggests that society is to blame for the inaccessibility of the bird treats for flightless birds, which represents the social model of disability.

What model of disability does Kevin introduce to Ellie?

Kevin introduces the human rights model of disability, which recognizes society's responsibility for barriers and empowers individuals with the tools to fix them.

How does Ellie use the human rights model of disability to solve her problem?

Ellie uses her right to dismantle the inaccessible system by giving the bird feeder a karate kick, causing the seed box to tumble to the ground and allowing all birds to eat the treats together.