Who are People With Disabilities?

Question 1

Why do we need to Categorize PWD’s? (3)

Answer 1

1) Identify one’s philosophy
2) Understand Terms
3) Understand how we approach service delivery

Question 2

What are the (3) Models of Categorizing Disability?

Answer 2

1) Categorical/Deficit/Medical
2) Social Minority/Disability Rights
3) Ecological

Question 3

Explain the (6) components of the Categorical, Deficit or Medical Model.

Answer 3

1) Disability Definition: equated with being defective, inferior, or less than.
2) Identity Perception: Individuals have common deficits that are viewed as personal tragedy
3) Terminology Use: Negative (deficits, problems, etc)
4) Service Delivery Basis: Is a treatment based on deficits, problems or characteristics
5) Service Delivery Purpose: The disability is a medical issue that must be remedied.
6) Symbols: Passive

Question 4

Explain the (6) components of the Social Minority/Disability Rights Model

Answer 4

1) Disability Definition: Equated with being different where different IS NOT less than.
2) Identity Perception: Individuals have one commonality (social stigma created around differences).
3) Terminology Use: Person-first and positive or neutral.
4) Service Delivery Basis: Really focusing on what the person needs by identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
5) Service Delivery Purpose: Empower individual to assume active role in self-actualization
6) Symbol: Active

Question 5

Explain the (6) components of the Ecological Model.

Answer 5

1) Disability Definition: Equated with being different AND with person-environment interactions that cause difference.
* Environment can impede or enable functioning *

2) Identity Perception: PWD’s have common barriers and enablers.
* Barriers must be eliminated (anything in society that limits access or participation)*

3) Terminology: Person-first
* environment variables emphasized*

4) Service Delivery Basis: Assessment encompasses individuals and their ecosystems.
* Goals focus on barriers and enablers*

5) Service Delivery Purpose: Empower individual to assume active role in self-actualization.
* empower people to approach potential barriers with the goal of eliminating these barriers for themselves and others*

6) Symbol: Active

Question 6

How does the Social Minority and Ecological Model achieve empowerment?

Answer 6

Through an interactional process by which persons, groups, and societies acquire the vision, motivation, resources, and power to strive toward being the best they can be.

Question 7

Explain the Process of Devaluation.

Answer 7

1) Person has impairment, loss of physical, mental, emotional function.
2) In order to get support, the person is given a label.
3) This label segregates the person from particular services and from their community.
4) leads to powerlessness, lowered expectations of the PWD, and results in fewer opportunities.
5) Ultimately leads to further impairment and social handicap

Question 8

How do/can we respond to Devaluation? (3)

Answer 8

1) Friendship as a core element *
2) Help move beyond human services
3) Advocate by challenging strange or inappropriate behaviours within the public.