The medical model of disability

These could relate to physical or sensory impairments, such as difficulties with vision or hearing, or conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy which affect body coordination and movement. Other disabilities might be a result of medical conditions which impact on cognitive functioning, such as fragile X syndrome, but which can also include social, language, attentional, emotional and behavioural problems.

The traditional view of disability states that disability is caused by physical, mental or sensory impairments. The individual is impaired and is the problem. The focus of the medical profession should be to find ‘cures’ or to alleviate the effects of the impairment.

Have your say:

Think about the four people you have just met. Is it helpful to classify these people by their difficulties/deficits as perceived by people without these characteristics? If these medical categories might sometimes be helpful – think about who for? 

Maybe you have experienced being labelled yourself? How did it make you feel? If you’ve not had that experience, consider how being labelled by a diagnosis might make someone feel? 

Share and discuss your responses with other learners in the Comments section.