Medical model of disability

Definition

The medical model of disability is a framework that views disabilities primarily as a problem of the individual, focusing on their impairments and limitations. This model emphasizes diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, often portraying disabled individuals as needing to be 'fixed' or cured rather than acknowledging the social barriers that contribute to their challenges. By framing disability in this way, it can shape how disabled individuals are represented in media and public discourse, often leading to a narrow understanding of their experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The medical model tends to focus on physical and mental impairments rather than the individual's overall experience and capabilities.
2. This model can lead to stigmatization of disabled individuals by emphasizing their differences from non-disabled people.
3. In media representation, the medical model may result in narratives that highlight disability as a tragedy or personal struggle rather than showcasing the diversity of disabled people's lives.
4. Policies and practices based on the medical model often prioritize clinical interventions over community support and inclusion.
5. Critics argue that the medical model fails to address the social inequalities faced by disabled individuals, which can further marginalize them.

Review Questions

• How does the medical model of disability shape perceptions of disabled individuals in media representation?
  • The medical model shapes perceptions by framing disability as primarily a personal issue that needs to be fixed, often focusing on impairments rather than the individual's life context. Media representation influenced by this model can depict disabled individuals in a negative light, highlighting struggles and limitations rather than celebrating their achievements and diversity. This can reinforce stereotypes and lead to societal stigmatization, impacting how disabled individuals are viewed and treated in real life.
• Discuss the implications of adopting a medical model approach in policies regarding disability services.
  • Adopting a medical model approach in disability services often leads to prioritizing clinical solutions over broader social support systems. This means that policies might focus on rehabilitation and treatment instead of addressing social barriers that prevent inclusion. As a result, there could be insufficient funding for community resources that foster independence and integration for disabled individuals, perpetuating cycles of dependency and marginalization rather than empowerment and autonomy.
• Evaluate the role of the medical model in shaping societal attitudes toward disability and its impact on advocacy movements.
  • The medical model plays a significant role in shaping societal attitudes by promoting a view of disability as something abnormal or needing correction. This perception can undermine advocacy efforts aimed at fostering acceptance and inclusion, as it may position disabled individuals as passive recipients of care rather than active agents in their own lives. Consequently, advocacy movements may struggle to shift public perception toward recognizing the social model, which emphasizes rights, accessibility, and the importance of societal change over mere medical intervention.

Related terms

social model of disability: This model contrasts with the medical model by emphasizing that disability is created by societal barriers, not just individual impairments.

ableism:

A form of discrimination or social prejudice against people with disabilities, reflecting the belief that typical abilities are superior.

rehabilitation: The process of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after illness or injury, often a key focus within the medical model.