, EDS4802 ASSIGNMENT 02 ANSWERS - DUE DATE 9 JULY 2026
QUESTION 1
A. Define the following terms.
a) Accessibility
Accessibility refers to the process of designing environments, services, products,
technologies, transportation systems, communication methods, and public facilities in a
manner that enables all people, including persons with disabilities, to use them safely,
independently, and without unnecessary barriers. It is founded on the principle that every
individual should enjoy equal opportunities to participate fully in society regardless of their
physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychosocial abilities. Accessibility extends beyond the
construction of ramps and accessible buildings to include digital accessibility, accessible
communication through Braille, sign language and captioning, accessible education,
healthcare, employment, and public transport. It also requires governments, organisations,
and communities to eliminate environmental, institutional, and attitudinal barriers that
prevent persons with disabilities from exercising their rights on an equal basis with others.
Within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD),
accessibility is recognised as a fundamental human right because it promotes independence,
dignity, equality, and full participation in all aspects of life (United Nations, 2006;
Department of Social Development, 2016).
b) Medical Model of Disability
The Medical Model of Disability is a traditional perspective that views disability primarily as
a medical condition or impairment that exists within an individual and therefore requires
diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, or cure. According to this model, the limitations
experienced by persons with disabilities are believed to result directly from their physical,
sensory, intellectual, or mental impairments rather than from barriers created by society. The
QUESTION 1
A. Define the following terms.
a) Accessibility
Accessibility refers to the process of designing environments, services, products,
technologies, transportation systems, communication methods, and public facilities in a
manner that enables all people, including persons with disabilities, to use them safely,
independently, and without unnecessary barriers. It is founded on the principle that every
individual should enjoy equal opportunities to participate fully in society regardless of their
physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychosocial abilities. Accessibility extends beyond the
construction of ramps and accessible buildings to include digital accessibility, accessible
communication through Braille, sign language and captioning, accessible education,
healthcare, employment, and public transport. It also requires governments, organisations,
and communities to eliminate environmental, institutional, and attitudinal barriers that
prevent persons with disabilities from exercising their rights on an equal basis with others.
Within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD),
accessibility is recognised as a fundamental human right because it promotes independence,
dignity, equality, and full participation in all aspects of life (United Nations, 2006;
Department of Social Development, 2016).
b) Medical Model of Disability
The Medical Model of Disability is a traditional perspective that views disability primarily as
a medical condition or impairment that exists within an individual and therefore requires
diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, or cure. According to this model, the limitations
experienced by persons with disabilities are believed to result directly from their physical,
sensory, intellectual, or mental impairments rather than from barriers created by society. The
