DISABILITY
Best 2005 - Traditionally in terms of a person's mobility to
fully participate in various activities
In 1995, the Disability Discrimination Act was passed, giving
legal protection and enforceable rights to disabled people.
Medical model
sees disability as a medical problem, focusing on
limitations caused by the impairment.
Approach leads to the defining of a disabled person by
their disability/impairment.
Leads to a 'victim blaming' mentality - problem lies with
the individual rather than society.
Social model
focuses on the social and physical barriers to inclusion that
may exist, such as the design of buildings and public
spaces that deny access to those with mobility problems.
Society is therefore the disabling factor. This approach can
lead to the view that disability is socially constructed
Shakespeare (1996) argues that there are major obstacles to
forming a positive disabled identity. Disabled people are often
socialised to see themselves as inferior. Disabled people are
often isolated from one another, so forming a strong,
collective identity is difficult. There is a lack of positive role
Best 2005 - Traditionally in terms of a person's mobility to
fully participate in various activities
In 1995, the Disability Discrimination Act was passed, giving
legal protection and enforceable rights to disabled people.
Medical model
sees disability as a medical problem, focusing on
limitations caused by the impairment.
Approach leads to the defining of a disabled person by
their disability/impairment.
Leads to a 'victim blaming' mentality - problem lies with
the individual rather than society.
Social model
focuses on the social and physical barriers to inclusion that
may exist, such as the design of buildings and public
spaces that deny access to those with mobility problems.
Society is therefore the disabling factor. This approach can
lead to the view that disability is socially constructed
Shakespeare (1996) argues that there are major obstacles to
forming a positive disabled identity. Disabled people are often
socialised to see themselves as inferior. Disabled people are
often isolated from one another, so forming a strong,
collective identity is difficult. There is a lack of positive role
