There are different ways people understand disability.
Two of the most well-known approaches are the Medical Model of Disability and the Social Model of Disability.
These models help explain why some people experience barriers in society.
The social model was strongly developed by the disability rights organization Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation and later promoted by groups such as Disability Rights UK.
The Medical Model of Disability
The Medical Model sees disability as a problem within the person.
In this model:
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The disability is viewed as something that is wrong with the individual.
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The focus is on diagnosis, treatment, and cure.
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Professionals such as doctors or specialists decide what support a person needs.
For example:
A person with a learning disability may be seen as having a deficit that needs fixing.
This model can sometimes lead to:
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People being excluded from education or work
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Over-reliance on professionals
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Less focus on removing barriers
The medical model can still be useful when people need medical treatment or diagnosis, but it does not always address social barriers.
The Social Model of Disability
The Social Model looks at disability differently.
It says that people are often disabled not by their condition, but by barriers in society.
These barriers can include:
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Buildings that are not accessible
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Information that is difficult to understand
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Lack of support in education or work
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Negative attitudes or discrimination
Under this model:
The problem is not the person, but the environment around them.
For example:
A person with a learning disability may struggle because information is written in complex language, not because they cannot learn.
If information is provided in Easy Read, the barrier is removed.
Example
Imagine someone who uses a wheelchair.
Medical Model view:
The person cannot walk, so they are disabled.
Social Model view:
The person is disabled because the building has stairs but no ramp.
If the building installs a ramp, the barrier is removed.
Why the Social Model Matters
The Social Model has helped change:
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Disability rights
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Accessibility laws
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Inclusive education
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Workplace equality
It encourages society to:
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Remove barriers
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Provide accessible information
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Respect people’s independence
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Promote inclusion
Connection to Easy Read
Easy Read is a good example of the Social Model in action.
Instead of expecting people to understand complex language, information is made:
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Clear
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Simple
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Visual
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Accessible
This allows more people to access information and participate in society.
Easy Read Version
Two Ways to Understand Disability
There are two common ways people think about disability.
Medical Model
This model says the problem is in the person.
It focuses on:
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Trying to fix the disability
Social Model
This model says the problem is the barriers in society.
Barriers can include:
• Difficult language
• Inaccessible buildings
• Lack of support
Removing Barriers
If we remove barriers, people can:
• Take part in society
• Learn
• Work
• Live more independently
Level 1 Training Module
Understanding the Social and Medical Models
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session learners will:
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Understand the medical model of disability
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Understand the social model of disability
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Recognize how barriers affect people with disabilities
Key Points
Medical Model
Focus on the condition.
Social Model
Focus on removing barriers.
Accessible information, such as Easy Read, helps remove barriers.
Module Questions
1. What does the Medical Model focus on?
a) Fixing the person
b) Removing barriers
c) Building ramps
Correct answer: A
2. What does the Social Model focus on?
a) The person’s diagnosis
b) Removing barriers in society
c) Ignoring disability
Correct answer: B
3. True or False
Easy Read is an example of removing barriers.
Correct answer: True
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