|
|
Accessibility Options | Text Size | Colour | |
|
H
This definition of the Social Model of Disability is the work of Mandy Hamblin, a HCIL service user.
Under this model WE HAVE A CHOICE.
A choice in how we live our lives! A choice in where we live our own lives! Being supported to go where we want and when we want, just like any other free person.
We have a say in who works with us, and how they work with us!
The best thing about the social model is that it is not about going to hospitals and seeing "so-called experts" to get fixed..... It is about going shopping or to work just like any other person in the community. BEING INCLUDED AS AN EQUAL PERSON!!!
The Social and Medical Model of DisabilityDisabled people tend to be viewed by society in one particular way. They are seen as victims of a personal tragedy whose lives are restricted due to physical, sensory, or mental limitations. Any problems that disabled people face are thought to be a result of these limitations. Consequently, it is these limitations that have to be ‘cured’. This way of thinking is commonly referred to as the Medical Model of Disability. Disabled people are seen as a ‘burden’ on society, needing help from non-disabled people to be able to lead any sort of life. They are seen as relying on charity (the goodwill of others) to survive.
However, disabled people have a different way of thinking that is much more positive and promotes maximum independence for everyone. The Social Model of Disability sets out that disabled people should be treated with the same rights as anyone else. If a building is inaccessible then the problem lies with the building and not the disabled person. Society is slowly accepting this way of thinking, and is beginning to cooperate to remove barriers. Often these barriers affect others too, ramps and elevators benefit mothers with children as well.
The emphasis of the Social Model of Disability is on changing society and its attitude. Starting with school disabled children will no longer be segregated into different schools, and can grow up to have the same expectations from life that everybody else has. Through education, architects for example will no longer design inaccessible buildings, and all new transport will be built with accessibility in mind.
By changing peoples understanding of disability and allowing non-disabled people and disabled people to integrate with each other, then this will lead to the elimination of common prejudices associated with disability.
