Models of disability

Medical model of disability

Disabled people are defined by their impairment or health condition, which is perceived as causing dependence and a need for treatment or care. The consequence is that constraints are placed on independent living and special arrangements imposed on access to benefits, housing, education, leisure and employment.

The medical model of disability can be defined by:

• Disability Discrimination Act disabled – Includes people who have a long-term health problem or disability which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
• Work-limiting disabled – Includes people who have a long-term health problem or disability which affects the kind or amount of paid work which a person might do.
• Long-term disabled – Includes people who meet the criteria for either current DDA or work-limiting definitions of disability (or both as is often the case).
• Limiting long-term illness - Includes any long-term illness, health problem or disability which limits daily activities or work.

Social model of disability

In the social model of disability, disability is caused by society. The physical, organisational and attitudinal barriers created by society, either deliberately or accidentally, compromise the ability of the person with impairment(s) or illness(es) to live independently and have the opportunity to participate in educational, employment and leisure activities.