, EDS4802 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE DATE 9 JULY 2026
UNIQUE NUMBER: 578456
QUESTION 1:
Definition of Terms
a) Accessibility (2)
Accessibility refers to the process of designing and adapting physical environments,
services, information, communication systems, technologies and learning spaces so that
they can be accessed, understood and used equally by all people, including persons with
disabilities. It involves the removal of physical, communication, technological and
attitudinal barriers that restrict participation, thereby promoting equal opportunities,
independence and full participation in society. Accessibility is recognised as a
fundamental human rights principle that supports dignity, equality and non-
discrimination (United Nations, 2006; World Health Organization, 2022).
b) Medical Model of Disability (2)
The Medical Model of Disability views disability primarily as a problem or impairment
that resides within the individual. According to this model, physical, sensory,
intellectual or psychological impairments are regarded as conditions that require
diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation or cure by medical professionals. The model focuses
on correcting the individual's impairment rather than addressing the environmental
and societal barriers that limit participation. Although it has contributed significantly to
medical treatment and rehabilitation, it has been criticised for overlooking the
importance of social inclusion and equal rights (Shakespeare, 2018; World Health
Organization, 2022).
c) Stigmatisation (2)
Stigmatisation refers to the process through which individuals or groups are unfairly
labelled, stereotyped or discriminated against because of characteristics such as
disability, illness, race or other personal attributes. In the context of disability,
stigmatisation often results in negative attitudes, prejudice, exclusion and unequal
treatment that limit opportunities for education, employment, healthcare and social
DUE DATE 9 JULY 2026
UNIQUE NUMBER: 578456
QUESTION 1:
Definition of Terms
a) Accessibility (2)
Accessibility refers to the process of designing and adapting physical environments,
services, information, communication systems, technologies and learning spaces so that
they can be accessed, understood and used equally by all people, including persons with
disabilities. It involves the removal of physical, communication, technological and
attitudinal barriers that restrict participation, thereby promoting equal opportunities,
independence and full participation in society. Accessibility is recognised as a
fundamental human rights principle that supports dignity, equality and non-
discrimination (United Nations, 2006; World Health Organization, 2022).
b) Medical Model of Disability (2)
The Medical Model of Disability views disability primarily as a problem or impairment
that resides within the individual. According to this model, physical, sensory,
intellectual or psychological impairments are regarded as conditions that require
diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation or cure by medical professionals. The model focuses
on correcting the individual's impairment rather than addressing the environmental
and societal barriers that limit participation. Although it has contributed significantly to
medical treatment and rehabilitation, it has been criticised for overlooking the
importance of social inclusion and equal rights (Shakespeare, 2018; World Health
Organization, 2022).
c) Stigmatisation (2)
Stigmatisation refers to the process through which individuals or groups are unfairly
labelled, stereotyped or discriminated against because of characteristics such as
disability, illness, race or other personal attributes. In the context of disability,
stigmatisation often results in negative attitudes, prejudice, exclusion and unequal
treatment that limit opportunities for education, employment, healthcare and social
