Social model vs medical model of disability: What's the difference? [CC]

Summary

In this insightful discussion, the speaker contrasts the social model of disability with the medical model, highlighting the societal barriers that disabled individuals face. The social model emphasizes that challenges arise not from the disabilities themselves but from an inadequately structured society that fails to accommodate diverse needs. The speaker critiques the prevailing attitude of 'inspiration porn' and advocates for a mindset shift towards inclusivity, explaining concepts like the 'curb-cut effect,' which benefits everyone. By fostering understanding and accessibility, society can empower individuals with disabilities to thrive, ultimately enriching the community as a whole.

Takeaways

• 😀 The difference between the social model and medical model of disability is crucial for understanding disability in society.
• 😀 The social model of disability emphasizes that barriers are created by societal attitudes and structures, not the individual's medical condition.
• 😀 The stigma surrounding disability often leads to pity and the perception of disabled individuals as 'inspiration porn' for achieving basic tasks.
• 😀 The curb-cut effect illustrates how accessibility features benefit everyone, not just disabled individuals, promoting inclusivity.
• 😀 Society needs to shift its mindset to view disability as a civil rights issue rather than a personal problem.
• 😀 Physical barriers, such as lack of ramps or captions, contribute to the challenges faced by disabled individuals, but the underlying issue is societal attitudes.
• 😀 The medical model of disability incorrectly places the burden of achieving societal participation on the individual with the disability.
• 😀 A social model perspective allows for a more inclusive approach, benefiting all members of society, including non-disabled individuals.
• 😀 Inclusivity should be considered in all aspects of society, from building designs to content creation, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
• 😀 Changing perceptions about disability is essential for fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and participate fully in society.

Q & A

What is the main difference between the social model and the medical model of disability?

The medical model views disability as a problem inherent to the individual, stemming from their medical condition, while the social model sees disability as a result of societal barriers and attitudes that prevent individuals from fully participating in society.

How does society's perception of disability contribute to stigma?

Society often associates disability with pity and limitations, which fosters a negative perception. This stigma arises from viewing disabled individuals as incapable rather than recognizing the societal barriers that hinder their participation.

What is 'inspiration porn' and why is it considered problematic?

Inspiration porn refers to the tendency to portray people with disabilities as inspirational for merely doing everyday activities. This mindset is problematic because it reduces their achievements to mere inspiration and overlooks the societal challenges they face.

What is the 'curb-cut effect'?

The curb-cut effect describes how accessibility features, initially designed for wheelchair users, also benefit others, such as parents with strollers or travelers with luggage. It illustrates the broader benefits of inclusive design.

What are some examples of societal barriers faced by disabled individuals?

Examples include lack of physical accessibility like ramps and elevators, absence of captions in media, and societal attitudes that view disabled people as less capable or dependent.

Why is it important to adopt the social model of disability?

Adopting the social model is important because it shifts the focus from individual limitations to societal responsibility, promoting inclusivity and equality, which ultimately benefits everyone.

How can inclusivity benefit society as a whole?

Inclusivity can lead to increased participation from disabled individuals in various sectors, boosting economic activity, enhancing community engagement, and creating environments that are accessible and enjoyable for all.

What role do attitudes play in the perception of disability?

Attitudes significantly influence how society perceives disability. Negative or ignorant attitudes can perpetuate barriers and discrimination, while positive attitudes can foster acceptance and inclusivity.

How should projects consider accessibility from the beginning?

Projects should incorporate accessibility considerations from the outset by asking who the target audience is and ensuring that facilities and content are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

What call to action does the speaker offer to the audience?

The speaker encourages individuals, whether disabled or not, to reflect on their perceptions of disability, engage in conversations about inclusivity, and challenge societal attitudes that stigmatize disability.