Basic Concepts + Theoretical Models of Disability

Question 1

What is the Medical Model of Disability?

Answer 1

The medical model defines disability as a result of biological impairments. It views disability as a condition caused by genetic disorders, disease, trauma, or other medical conditions. Under this model, disability is seen as a health issue that reduces quality of life and requires medical intervention or treatment.

Question 2

What is the Social Model of Disability?

Answer 2

The social model of disability challenges the medical model by shifting the focus from the individual to society. Instead of defining disability solely by a person’s impairment, this model emphasizes that societal barriers and poor design create disabling conditions. In many cases, disability is not inherent but rather a result of avoidable obstacles in the environment.

Question 3

What is the Biopsychosocial Model of Disability?

Answer 3

The biopsychosocial model recognizes that disability is a complex and multi-faceted concept and incorporates the perspectives of the medical and social models. This includes the biological, individual, and social aspects of disability.

Question 4

What is the Economic Model of Disability?

Answer 4

The economic model of disability focuses on the financial impact of disability on individuals, employers, the government, and welfare programs.

While it acknowledges how physical or cognitive limitations can affect employment and productivity, it may also contribute to stigma by framing disability primarily as a financial burden.

Question 5

What is the Functional Solutions Model of Disability?

Answer 5

The functional solutions model of disability is closely related to the social model but it focuses on identifying the functional limitations caused by disability and finding solutions through technology or innovative methods.

Rather than emphasizing social and political factors, this model prioritizes using advancements to reduce or eliminate barriers to accessibility and independence.

Question 6

What is the Social Identity or Cultural Affiliation Model of Disability?

Answer 6

The Social Identity or Cultural Affiliation Model sees disability as a valued identity and shared cultural experience. It emphasizes community, self-advocacy, and disability pride, viewing it as part of human diversity rather than a limitation.

Question 7

What is the Charity or Tragedy Model of Disability?

Answer 7

The charity model of disability views disability as a misfortune requiring sympathy and aid, often reinforcing dependency rather than promoting inclusion and empowerment.

Question 8

What is the Affirmation Model of Disability?

Answer 8

The affirmation model is similar to the Social Identity or Cultural Affiliation model, in that it encourages people with disabilities to affirm their identity, and to feel comfortable in their own skin, celebrating everything about their physical identity, including their disabilities.

Question 9

What is the Sociopolitical Model of Disability?

Answer 9

The sociopolitical model is more of an activist model that emphasizes the need for human rights for people with disabilities.

Question 10

What is the Religious/Moral Model of Disability?

Answer 10

The religious/moral model sees disability as either a punishment for past actions or a test of faith, given by God to teach a lesson.

Question 11

What is the Expert or Professional Model of Disability?

Answer 11

The expert model is a variation of the medical model, where disabilities are managed by professionals with specialized expertise

Question 12

What is the Rehabilitation Model of Disability?

Answer 12

The rehabilitation model is a variation of the medical model that focuses on therapy and rehabilitation to help individuals improve function and adapt to their disability.

Question 13

What are the seven theoretical models of disability?

Answer 13

1. Medical Model
2. Social Model
3. Biopsychosocial Model
4. Economic Model
5. Functional Solutions Model
6. Social Identity or Cultural Affiliation Model
7. Charity Model

Question 14

What are the eleven Categories and Characteristics of Disabilities and Associated Barriers?

Answer 14

1. blind
2. low vision
3. color-blind
4. deaf
5. deafblind
6. motor disabilities
7. speech disabilities
8. cognitive disabilities
9. reading disabilities
10. seizures
11. multiple disabilities

Question 15

What percentage of people have a disability?

Answer 15

Roughly 1 in every 5 people (about 20%) has a disability of some kind.

Question 16

What percentage of blind people can read braille?

Answer 16

Less than 10% of blind Americans can read braille

Question 17

What are assistive technologies for blindness?

Answer 17

Screen readers, Refreshable Braille devices

Question 18

What are assistive technologies for low vision?

Answer 18

Screen enlargers, Screen readers

Question 19

What are assistive technologies for color blindness?

Answer 19

Color enhancement overlays or glasses

Question 20

What are assistive technologies for deafness?

Answer 20

Captions, Transcripts

Question 21

What are assistive technologies for motor/mobility disabilities?

Answer 21

Head wand, Mouth stick, Alternative keyboards, Eye gaze tracking, Voice Activation

Question 22

What are assistive technologies for cognitive disabilities?

Answer 22

Screen readers, Screen overlays, Augmentative communication aids

Question 23

True or False: The Internet is an important part of the solution for disability access.

Answer 23

True.

Question 24

True or False: There are many forms of disabilities that are not obvious to an observer.

Answer 24

True.

Question 25

What are the strengths of the medical model?

Answer 25

The medical model recognizes that a biological condition can put an individual at a disadvantage compared to the general population.

Likewise, when determining eligibility for government assistance, a well-defined set of criteria helps guide decision-making. In a clinical setting, medical professionals rely on specific biological criteria to diagnose conditions, enabling them to make informed treatment decisions.

Question 26

What are the weaknesses of the medical model?

Answer 26

The medical model focuses only on biology, ignoring how societal design choices create barriers (e.g., inaccessible buildings).

It frames disability as an individual trait, leading to stigma and psychological harm.

Narrow medical definitions for benefits eligibility may exclude people who need support.

Requiring individuals to repeatedly prove their disability adds bureaucratic burdens and can be dehumanizing.

Question 27

What are the strengths of the social model?

Answer 27

• The social model removes stigma and promotes inclusivity.
• It shifts responsibility to society to create accessible environments.
• Encourages designers to prioritize usability for all.

Question 28

What are the weaknesses of the social model?

Answer 28

• The social model can overly de-emphasize the physical reality of disability.
• Disability is a key part of identity and should not be minimized.
• Acknowledging and embracing disability can support emotional well-being.

Question 29

What are the strengths of the functional solutions model?

Answer 29

• Focuses on practical solutions that benefit people with disabilities.
• Avoids theoretical or political debates.
• Prioritizes innovation, technology, and accessibility.
• Emphasizes action and real-world impact.

Question 30

What are the weaknesses of the functional solutions model?

Answer 30

• Innovative solutions may not always address broader accessibility issues.
• Focusing too much on technology can overlook social and environmental barriers.
• Addressing social context effectively can sometimes eliminate the need for specific technologies.

Question 31

What are the strengths of the cultural affiliation model?

Answer 31

• Self-Acceptance & Empowerment: Embracing one’s disability supports emotional well-being.
• Community Support: Friendships with others with disabilities provide valuable personal support.’
• Political Strength: Advocacy networks amplify collective voices for policy change

Question 32

What are the weaknesses of the cultural affiliation model?

Answer 32

• The social identity model is not always useful for technically defining disabilities.
• People with different or no disabilities may identify as part of the same social group.
• Strong disability identity can stem from societal exclusion.

Question 33

What are the strengths of the charity or tragedy model?

Answer 33

This model can create a sense of empathy in those without disabilities and inspire them to assist people with disabilities.

Question 34

What are the weaknesses of the charity or tragedy model?

Answer 34

The charity or tragedy model encourages unequal social and political relationships between people, which can slow down progress for disabled communities.