The Social Model of Disability
Societal barriers create disability
And “disability” is not a bad word.
First let’s define “disability.” According to the World Health Organization, disability “is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations.”
Under this definition, neurodivergent brains are considered disabilities, but this definition does not tell us why being neurodivergent is disabling. So let’s look at that further by examining two frameworks used to explain the “why” behind disability: The Medical Model and the Social Model.
Medical Model of Disability
The Pathology Paradigm is based on the Medical Model.
The Medical Model posits:
- Neurodivergent brains are flawed
- The individual is the problem
- Being abled is superior to being disabled
- Individuals have the responsibility to overcome their disability
- Accessibility for the disabled is not a priority
Social Model of Disability
The Neurodiversity Paradigm is based on the Social Model.
The Social Model posits:
- Neurodivergent brains are not flawed
- Societal barriers are the problem
- Ability/disability does not define one's worth
- Society has the responsibility to change to better support all people
- Accessibility for everyone is the goal
It’s important to note that even with all societal barriers removed, many neurodivergent people will still be disabled, but their struggles will not be because of societal barriers.
