Models of Disability

The medical and social models of disability have been the most influential throughout my studies. The medical model views disability as a personal defect that needs to be cured or fixed. It places the burden on the individual to adapt to a world that was not built for them. This model has influenced social policies for a long time by focusing on rehabilitation rather than civil rights. In my view, this approach is limited because it ignores the cultural identity of the Deaf community and other groups. It treats our language and our ways of being as something that is broken.

The social model of disability offers a much more powerful perspective. It argues that people are disabled by the barriers in society, not by their physical or mental status. This model has shifted modern practices toward accessibility and inclusion. It teaches us that if a building does not have a ramp, the stairs are the problem, not the person using a wheelchair. By focusing on the environment, the social model allows us to create policies that protect our rights as a linguistic minority. This shift is essential for moving away from tragedy and moving toward equity and leadership.

Reference

Lane, H. L. (1992). The mask of benevolence: Disabling the deaf community. Alfred A. Knopf.