Module 1: History of Disability

Models of Disability

One of the limits to providing historical information in a timeline format is that you are restricted to only presenting events or information with dates attached. This means that concepts like trends and themes are not captured. In regard to the history of disability, it is important to also share service delivery models that have heavily impacted the ways disability is perceived and understood.

These models of service delivery for disability have influenced everything from the terms we use to how people with disabilities are supported. One model is deeply rooted in history and other has had a more recent presence. The term “model” refers to how we define and think about what disability is, and how individuals with disabilities need to be supported. The two most common models are the medical model and the social model.

Medical Model Social Model
Sees disability as disease, impairment, deficiency Sees disability as a difference—not dissimilar to eye colour, race, gender
Perceived as negative, sick, needing fixing Perceived as neutral, does not require fixing
Inherent to the individual Interaction between individual and society
(person is disabled by an inaccessible environment)
Focus on cure, prevention, rehabilitation Focus on making the world accessible
Fix is provided by a professional Anyone can make society more accessible including the person with a disability

Medical Model

The medical model has predominated history as the model of practice in both health and education. In the medical model, disability is seen as a characteristic within the individual and intervention is focused on “fixing” and “curing.” In medicine, patients have symptoms that must be diagnosed and treated. In education, the medical model formed the basis of special education in that students who have problems needed to be identified and can be “fixed” when taught by specially trained professionals in a special education system.

Social Model

The social model is a newer approach and views disability as an interaction between the attributes of the individual and the environment that they live in. This model looks outside of the individual to other factors such as:

  • Environmental
  • Systemic barriers
  • Exclusionary practice
  • Negative perceptions and beliefs

Both models offer information that is meaningful when supporting students with complex needs. Understanding the value of each model will guide you in developing meaningful educational programs for students with complex needs.