Exam Question 2

Question 1

What are models of disability?

Answer 1

Structures we use to help us understand disability and how it applies to practice and the social world we inhabit

Question 2

What are some examples of models of disability?

Answer 2

The Medical Model
The Social Model
The Affirmative Model
The Rights-based Model

Question 3

When was the medical model of disability created?

Answer 3

1980

Question 4

Who created the medical model of disability?

Answer 4

The World Health Organisation in the ‘International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps’

Question 5

What does the Medical Model define impairment as?

Answer 5

‘any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function’

Question 6

What does the Medical Model define disability as?

Answer 6

‘any restriction or lack (resulting from impairments) of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being’

Question 7

What does the medical model argue is the cause of someones disability?

Answer 7

The impairment itself causes the disability.

Question 8

What does the medical model argue needs to be changed so disabled people can interact with society?

Answer 8

The person with the impairment needs to change to fit the environment. Aims to fix the ‘abnormality’ to ensure conformity.

Question 9

What support does the medical model focus on?

Answer 9

Medical treatment, care and prevention of disability (biological/genetic testing/screening, rehabilitation treatment, early diagnosis)

Question 10

When was the Affirmation Model created?

Answer 10

2000

Question 11

Who created the Affirmation Model?

Answer 11

Swain and French

Question 12

What does the affirmative model define impairment as?

Answer 12

‘physical, sensory, emotional and cognitive difference to be expected and respected in its own terms in a diverse society’

Question 13

What does the affirmative model define disability as?

Answer 13

A social construct dependant on individuals desire to identify with the label or not. Subject to definition by the person with impairment themselves, not by society.

Question 14

Why was the affirmative model created?

Answer 14

To critique the social models lack of focus on the personal and experimental aspects of disability.
Belief the social model focuses too heavily on the structural barriers present.

Question 15

What perspectives of disability does the affirmative model aim to combat?

Answer 15

The tragic view of disability

Question 16

What does the affirmative model argue is problematic?

Answer 16

Assumptions and attitudes towards disabled people.
Assumptions that all disabled people experience disability the same way - lack of communication with disabled people about their own experiences and needs.
Assumptions that disabled people would rather not be disabled.

Question 17

What does the affirmative model aim to do?

Answer 17

Embrace difference and unique thinking about difference.
Affirm unique ways of existing and being accommodated for in society.
Be realistic about the relatives of living with a disability.
Recognise disability is important to many disabled people’s identity and shapes how people view and experience life.

Question 18

What does the affirmative model not aim to do?

Answer 18

Assume or encourage that all people with impairments have to celebrate their differences.
Help disabled people to ‘come to terms’ with their disability or impairment.
Reinforce that all disabled people are or should be ‘can-do’, ‘lovely’ or always positive.
Romanticise the disabled experience in a disabling society.

Question 19

Name the advantages of the medical model of disability

Answer 19

Simple model - easy to understand and apply.
Diagnostic clarity
Early identification and access to support
Innovation in prosthetics, medications and surgical procedures
Disability insurance and benefits.