Models of Disability SARA WICEBLOOM LLT TUTOR DAY NOV 2008

Why discuss the four models? To help us understand what disability means to us and to our class participants To help us work with disabled people using a positive, person-centred approach

Medical and Charity Models Medical model - based on history of medical consultants ‘curing’ - assumes that disability and impairment/medical condition are the same thing Charity model - based on history of society ‘looking after’ the sick - assumes that disabled people must be looked after What would it mean to work to these models?

Social Model More modern view - disability ≠ medical condition -discrimination / loss of opportunity -barriers to participation -consultation with (not for) disabled people What would it mean to work to this model?

Definition of Disability “Disability is the loss or limitation of opportunities that prevents people who have impairments from taking part in the normal life of a community on an equal level with others due to physical or social barriers.” Finkelstein and French, 1988

There is evidence to show that severity of impairment affects activity and independence in daily life. (Whiteneck et al, 1987 and Dijkers, 1997)

Functional Model Most modern view (WHO 2001) -positive approach -person centred goal setting -working towards solutions together What would it mean to work to this model?

Overview of the adapted ICF Model (adapted from WHO, 2001) ; Quality of life Body structure and function Activity Participation Environmental factors (extrinsic) Personal factors (intrinsic)

Summary of Models MedicalCharitySocialFunctional Owned by individual Owned by society Not preventable Preventable Solution is to find a medical cure Solution is to provide for disabled people by charitable donation and support Solution is to eliminate discrimination by removing barriers Solution is to create inclusive opportunities on the individual’s terms

What relevance does this have to me as a falls prevention exercise class instructor? What relevance does this have for the participants in my classes? To Summarise