Theoretical Models of Disability

Question 1

Define the Medical Model of Disability

Answer 1

Defines disability in terms of biological impairments caused by genetic disorder, disease, trauma, or health conditions

Question 2

How does the Medical Model treat disability?

Answer 2

Disability is treated as a biological problem, diminishing the quality of life and to be treated with medical care

Question 3

What are key strengths of the Medical Model?

Answer 3

Acknowledges biological condition

Question 4

What are key weaknesses of the Medical Model?

Answer 4

Access to care and support is limited by a strict set of criteria that may be difficult to prove,

Overlooks social environment impact,

Added bureaucracy to prove disability

Question 5

Define the Social Model of disability

Answer 5

Direct response to medical model, points out that disabilities are caused by poor design while not denying biological component, pointing out barriers can be designed to be removed

Question 6

What are key strengths of the Social Model of Disability?

Answer 6

Empowers those with disability and removes stigma. Empowers designers of physical and virtual environments

Question 7

What are some key weaknesses of the Social Model of Disability?

Answer 7

Can de-emphasize physical reality of disability

Question 8

Define the Biophysical Model of Disability

Answer 8

Multi faceted and incorporates both Social and Medical models

Question 9

Define the Economic Model of Disability

Answer 9

Disability causes economic impact on individual, employer, and society and programs as a whole.

Question 10

Define the Functional Solutions Model of Disability

Answer 10

Related to Social Model - taking a practical approach to disability by identifying functional impairments and seeking to eradicate those limitations through technology.

Focus less on social and political and more on innovation

Question 11

What are key strengths of the Functional Solutions Model?

Answer 11

Takes real world approach to finding solutions, without theoretical red tap and political questions

Question 12

What are key weaknesses of the Functional Solutions Model?

Answer 12

Even if technology is innovative, access is limited and may miss the larger social context of the disability or challenge.

Question 13

Define the Social Identity (Cultural Affiliation) Model)

Answer 13

People with disabilities develop identity based on disability.

Question 14

What are key strengths of Social Identity / Cultural Affiliation Model?

Answer 14

Self Acceptance and empowerment, political strength and unity

Question 15

What are key weaknesses of Social Identity / Cultural Affiliation Model?

Answer 15

Isolation or exclusion from the rest of society

Question 16

Define the Charity (Tragedy) Model

Answer 16

Treats disabilities as unfortunate or tragic conditions worth of special treatment. Often fundraisers, projects, and interventions. Often found offensive by those with disabilities

Question 17

Define the Affirmation Model of Disability

Answer 17

Similar to Social Identity (Cultural Affiliation) celebrating identity

Question 18

Define Sociopolitical Model of Disability

Answer 18

More activist model emphasizing human rights

Question 19

Define Religious / Moral Model of Disability

Answer 19

Assumes disability as punishment of actions self or others committed. Seen as from God to teach lesson

Question 20

Define Expert or Professional Model of Disability

Answer 20

Variation of Medical Model, treating disabilities by those with credentials

Question 21

Define Rehabilitation Model

Answer 21

Variation of Medical model, emphasis on therapy or rehabilitation to improve function