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Social Model Of Disability
Introduction
More and more Disabled People are talking about the Social Model of Disability. For many, understanding it has completely changed their lives, helping them to feel far more positive about themselves. SCIL sees it as its guiding philosophy, but it is still widely misunderstood.
This page aims to explain the Social Model of Disability in a way that is easy to understand and serves as an introduction to these concepts.
These concepts are usually explored in more detail on Disability Equality Training and Personal Development courses (available from SCIL and many other organisations run and controlled by Disabled People). These courses enable Disabled People to relate the principles of the social model of disability to their own life.
The Social Model of Disability has changed many people’s outlook on life – and it could change yours. If after reading this, you would like to speak to people whose lives have been dramatically enhanced as a result of the social model, please contact SCIL or your local organisation of Disabled People.
A different way of looking at ourselves
The Social Model of Disability enables Disabled People to look at themselves in a more positive way which increases their self-esteem and independence.
Disabled People often feel a loss for all the things they would like to do, but cannot; a loss of goals and dreams that seem unobtainable. Disabled People also often feel they are a burden on family and friends, and a problem for doctors who cannot cure them.
This traditional view of disability is called the Medical Model of Disability, because it sees people as medical problems. As a result Disabled People see their impairment as their problem, something they will have to make the best of and accept that there are many things they cannot do.
The Social Model of Disability starts from a different perspective. It ignores how bad a person’s impairment is. Instead it establishes that everyone is equal and demonstrates that it is society which erects barriers that prevent Disabled People participating and restricts their opportunities.
How does the Social Model of Disability work?
The social model looks beyond a person’s impairment at all the relevant factors that affect their ability to be a full and equal participant in society.
What else is relevant?
Heavy doors and inaccessible public transport are just two examples of what it is that makes travelling such a hassle – not the fact that someone is disabled. Every disabled person can make their own list of the barriers that limits their participation. When these barriers and other people’s negative attitudes are considered, it is easy to see how Disabled People’s opportunities are limited by a multitude of barriers.
The Social Model of Disability helps Disabled People to understand that the solution is to rid society of these barriers, rather than relying on curing all the people who have impairments as the only way forward (in many case this is niether possible or desirable).
For exam$ple, people with poor eyesight are given a simple piece of equipment – a pair of glasses. Without them they would be excluded from full participation in society and would therefore be disabled.
Similarly, the Social Model solution to the fact that a wheelchair user is disabled because they cannot use public transport, is simple – make all public transport accessible to everyone!
Examples of how society could change to allow Disabled People to participate equally:
| Medical model problem | Social model solution |
| Painful hands, unable to open jars, doors | Better designed lids, automatic doors |
| Difficulties in standing for long periods | More seats in public places |
| Unable to climb steps into buildings | Ramps and lifts in all buildings |
| Other people won’t give you a job because they think you could not do it |
Educate people to look at Disabled People’s abilities rather than looking for problems |
This Social Model approach to disability sees the problem as society’s barriers, rather than the person’s condition and allows Disabled People to lift the blame from their shoulders and place it squarely onto society’s.
The new line Social Model of Disability empowers Disabled People to challenge society to remove those barriers.
Medical model says:
- You are a sufferer
- You are the problem
- Your disability needs curing
- You cannot make decisions about your life
- You need professionals to look after you
- You can never be equal to a non-disabled person
Social model says:
- Disability is not an individual problem
- Disabled People cannot compete on equal terms because there are too many barriers
- We need to recognise that society has a duty to remove these barriers
- Disabled People have the same RIGHT to full equality as all other citizens.
The social model defines disability as “the disadvantage or restriction caused by a society which takes little or no account of people who have impairments and excludes them from mainstream activity.”
Further reading:
- Disability Politics: Campbell J & Oliver M. (1996 London: Routledge)
- Pride against Prejudice: Morris J (1991 London: Womans Press)