The Social Model of Disability
Here at TCIL, we firmly believe in the values set out in the Social Model Of Disability – that is, that we as individuals are not ‘disabled’ by any physical impairment, but instead by the dated attitudes and restraints put in place by the society that we live in.
We believe in challenging the accepted social view of disability and removing the barriers that prevent people with impairments from taking an active part in their own communities.
There are many conflicting views and theories surrounding disability within the social context, but the Social Model was borne out of disabled people uniting to give their own views on how their impairment affected their daily lives.
The Medical Model of Disability
The Medical Model of Disability is the belief that:
Doctors know best
Impairments can be fixed or 'cured'
The disability is the problem of the individual, nobody else
Some examples of the Medical Model in action would be:
Wheelchair users being unable to access a local facilities because they cannot get their wheelchair up the steps. Under this model, the wheelchair would be seen as the problem, not the steps.
A local event that holds relevance for deaf people being conducted without a hearing loop or BSL interpreters. Again, the Medical Model would hold that, in this case, the impairment is the problem.
The Social Model of Disability
Those who believe in The Social Model of Disability do not wish to be defined by the long-held characteristics of the Medical Model. The prevailing belief of the Social Model is that people are not disabled by their impairment, but instead by the outdated views and barriers put in place throughout society.
The Social Model holds that society should be passionate and proactive in its approach to inclusion, and should work with individuals, groups, Disabled People's Organisations and User-Led Organisations to ensure inclusion throughout society.
Within the Social Model:
The person with the impairment knows best, not the doctors, as they are the experts on their bodies and their own day-to-day life needs
Society has a responsibility to focus on inclusion and access for all people
A wheelchair user being unable to access a local facility would not be disabled by their impairment, whatever that may be, but by the short-sightedness of the organisation for not seeking to install a ramp to promote inclusion and accessibility.
Similarly, an event held without a hearing loop or interpreters that would hold relevance for deaf people would be directly disabling any deaf individuals by preventing them from accessing that event. In this case, deafness would not be the disabling factor, but the lack of adjustments to support deaf service users.
Examples of pro-active Social Model best practice include:
Organisations consulting with individuals, groups, DPOs and ULOs to ensure that deaf and disabled people can access their services.
Local councils investing money in user-led organisations (such as Trafford CIL) to promote independent living and The Social Model of Disability to local people and businesses.
Information being made available to people in a variety of formats to account for varying needs, including audio, large print, Easy Read and braille.
Trafford CIL is committed to helping Trafford become a socially-inclusive community that understands and engages with the parameters set out in The Social Model of Disability. If you are an individual or organisation who would like any additional help or information around the Social Model, please CLICK HERE to contact us.
Funded by Trafford Council.
