IAAP CPACC Certification Exam
Questions & Answers 2023/2024
What are the 5 main models of disability? - ANSWER-1. Medical Model
2. Social Model
3. Functional Solutions Model
4. Social Identity Model
5. Charity/Tragedy Model
Medical Model of Disability definition - ANSWER-The model defines disability in terms of biological
impairments. Disability is viewed as a problem that is caused by medically-diagnosed condition
Medical Model Strengths and Weaknesses - ANSWER-Strengths:
-helps define medical diagnoses and treatment
-helps define who receives government assistance
Weaknesses:
- frequently criticized model
-focusing on biology of person overlooks impact of design decisions in social environment
- makes disability a characteristic of the person, essentially labeling and stigmatizing person as less than
-people who do not fit within clearly defined definition may be denied benefits they need
Social Model Definition - ANSWER-The model says that society creates disabling conditions and that
disability is an avoidable condition caused by poor design
Social Model Strengths and Weaknesses - ANSWER-Strengths:
-empowers people with disabilities
-expects that society will create inclusive environments
, -empowers designers to think about usability for all people
Weaknesses:
-some say that the model de-emphasizes the physical reality of disability too much
-model doesn't allow people to accept and own their disability
Functional Solutions Model - ANSWER-Model focuses on applying innovative solutions to overcome the
limitations created by disabilities. Models approach is used by accessibility professionals
Functional Solutions Model Strengths and Weaknesses - ANSWER-Strengths:
-emphasizes creating accessible environments and getting things done instead of focusing on theory
Weaknesses:
-sometimes people focus so much on the solution that they miss the opportunity to address larger social
context.
- addressing larger social context can make a solution obsolete
Social Identity Model - ANSWER-This model says people with disabilities can develop a sense of personal
identity from the shared experiences people with disabilities have. These people develop a sense of
culture based on the shared experiences. Example: Deaf Culture
Social Identity Model Strengths and Weaknesses - ANSWER-Strengths:
- definition helps empower and accept people with disabilities
-forming alliances/social groups means more political power
Weaknesses:
- doesn't serve as good technical definition of disability, bc people with different types of disabilities
mingle
- strongly identifying with other people with disabilities could be a result from being excluded from rest
of society
Questions & Answers 2023/2024
What are the 5 main models of disability? - ANSWER-1. Medical Model
2. Social Model
3. Functional Solutions Model
4. Social Identity Model
5. Charity/Tragedy Model
Medical Model of Disability definition - ANSWER-The model defines disability in terms of biological
impairments. Disability is viewed as a problem that is caused by medically-diagnosed condition
Medical Model Strengths and Weaknesses - ANSWER-Strengths:
-helps define medical diagnoses and treatment
-helps define who receives government assistance
Weaknesses:
- frequently criticized model
-focusing on biology of person overlooks impact of design decisions in social environment
- makes disability a characteristic of the person, essentially labeling and stigmatizing person as less than
-people who do not fit within clearly defined definition may be denied benefits they need
Social Model Definition - ANSWER-The model says that society creates disabling conditions and that
disability is an avoidable condition caused by poor design
Social Model Strengths and Weaknesses - ANSWER-Strengths:
-empowers people with disabilities
-expects that society will create inclusive environments
, -empowers designers to think about usability for all people
Weaknesses:
-some say that the model de-emphasizes the physical reality of disability too much
-model doesn't allow people to accept and own their disability
Functional Solutions Model - ANSWER-Model focuses on applying innovative solutions to overcome the
limitations created by disabilities. Models approach is used by accessibility professionals
Functional Solutions Model Strengths and Weaknesses - ANSWER-Strengths:
-emphasizes creating accessible environments and getting things done instead of focusing on theory
Weaknesses:
-sometimes people focus so much on the solution that they miss the opportunity to address larger social
context.
- addressing larger social context can make a solution obsolete
Social Identity Model - ANSWER-This model says people with disabilities can develop a sense of personal
identity from the shared experiences people with disabilities have. These people develop a sense of
culture based on the shared experiences. Example: Deaf Culture
Social Identity Model Strengths and Weaknesses - ANSWER-Strengths:
- definition helps empower and accept people with disabilities
-forming alliances/social groups means more political power
Weaknesses:
- doesn't serve as good technical definition of disability, bc people with different types of disabilities
mingle
- strongly identifying with other people with disabilities could be a result from being excluded from rest
of society
