Ss Op 2.1 Introductory Awareness of Models of Disability

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SS OP 2.1 Introductory awareness of models of disability 1. Know the difference between the medical and social models of disability. 1.1 Describe the medical model of disability The social model of disability says that disability is caused by the way society is organised. The medical model of disability says people are disabled by their impairments or differences. Under the medical model, these impairments or differences should be 'fixed' or changed by medical and other treatments, even when the impairment or difference does not cause pain or illness. The medical model looks at what is 'wrong' with the person, not what the person needs. It creates low expectations and leads to people losing independence, choice and control in their own lives. 1.2 Describe the social model of disability The social model of disability says that disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. It looks at ways of removing barriers that restrict life choices for disabled people. When barriers are removed, disabled people can be independent and equal in society, with choice and control over their own lives. Disabled people developed the social model of disability because the traditional medical model did not explain their personal experience of disability or help to develop more inclusive ways of living. 1.3 Outline how each of the models have developed and evolved over time. Social model In the past people with learning disabilities were excluded from social activites and were hidden away. They were not able to get jobs and they were educated in separate establishments. However, recent developments promote inclusion. Anti-discrimination legislation, equal-opportunity policies and programmes of positive action have arisen because it is now more widely recognised that disabled people

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