Understanding Disability.edited

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1 Understanding Disability Name Institution Course Instructor Date

2 Understanding Disability Understanding disability is a complex endeavor that involves different approaches and perspectives. This essay explores and compares three approaches to understand disability. Each approach (the Medical Model, Crip Theory and the Social Model) provides a unique lens through which disability is explained, understood as well as approached in terms of practice and policy. Also, the essay delves into their main assumptions, perspectives on the body, social factors’ consideration and their implications for disability politics. Finally, the essay discusses approaches utility in understanding the contemporary experience of disability. Medical Model The Medical Model of disability is mainly rooted in the belief that disability is a personal health condition. It focuses on treating and diagnosing the personal’s mental or physical impairments to manage the disability. The main assumptions of this model include the focus on normality and the perspective that disabled people deviate from this norm. Medical Model sees disability as an individual tragedy that needs to be reduced and managed. According to the Medical Model, the body is seen as faulty and the goal is to restore it to a typical functioning state (Imhoff , 2017). Historically, this theory has been predominant resulting in the establishment of rehabilitative and medical interventions as the major means to manage disability. Nevertheless, it often neglects the environmental and social factors that contribute to disabling disorders and may overlook the effect of societal barriers and discrimination faced by disabled people. Medical professionals are seen as the experts who possess the skills and knowledge to treat these bodily deviations, often with the aim to bring the person’s body back to normal state (Kwon et al., 2023).

3 In the context of disability practice, the Medical Model’s legacy has been the establishment of rehabilitative and medical interventions. These interventions have resulted in significant advancements in surgical procedures, assistive devices, medical technology and pharmaceuticals, which have improved the lives of disabled people. Notable examples include hearing aids, mobility aid and development of prosthetics, which have increased interdependence and functional abilities for individuals with disabilities (Egner, 2016). Nevertheless, one of the major criticisms of the Medical model is its narrow focus on personal impairments, often overlooking the broader environmental and social factors that led to disability. This model tends to downplay the significance of societal barriers and discrimination faced by people with disabilities, placing the responsibility for adjustment and adaptation on people rather than addressing the systematic problems. Another implication of this approach for disability practice and policy is the focus on segregation and the development of specialized facilities and services for disabled people. This can result in marginalization and isolation, reinforcing the disability’s perception as a personal burden rather than a consequence of societal structures and attitudes. In terms of power and disability politics, the Medical Model may perpetuate paternalistic attitudes, where medical experts hold authority over disabled person’s decisions and lives. This power dynamics can disempower people with disabilities, reducing their autonomy and agency in matters associating with their lives and bodies. Whereas the Medical Model has undoubtedly contributed too advancements in treatment and medical care for certain disabilities, its limitations have become increasingly evident. Palm-Leis (2023) argue that Medical Model is reductionist, overly pathologizing and also fails to acknowledge the complex interplay between social factors and disability. The Social Model

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4 The Social Model of disability is a paradigm shift from the Medical Model. It offers a more empowering and inclusive understanding of disability. The approach emerged as a response to the shortcoming and limitations of the Medical Model, which mainly focused on medical interventions and personal impairments. This model places the responsibility for disability on society rather than on individual. It emphasizes the role of attitudinal, environmental and social barriers in creating disability. The main assumptions of this model rotate around the idea that disability is not an inherent issue of a person but is caused by the interaction between people with impairments and also the barriers in the society (Lamb, 2015). People with disabilities are seen as a valuable and diverse part of the human experience. Their disability experiences are shaped by the social, attitudinal and physical environment in which they live. In the Social Model, the body is not seen as inherently problematic, but instead disability is contextualized within physical and social environment. The emphasize shift from fixing a person to addressing the barriers that hinder their participation in society. This perception recognizes that what is disabling is the lack of inclusion, support and accessibility within the environment and not the impairment itself. The Social Model legacy in disability practice has been instrumental in promoting a more accessible and inclusive society. The approach has resulted in the development of universal design principles, accessibility standards and the implementation of accommodations to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Such changes have greatly improved the lives of people with disabilities and have allowed them to participate more in recreation, employment education and other aspects of society. Social factors, such as oppression and discrimination, are vital to the Social Model’s understanding of disability. It recognizes that systematic discrimination and societal attitudes can

5 exacerbate the experiences of people with disabilities. This perception calls for a change in societal attitudes and dismantling of discriminatory policies and practices. The emphasize change from personal adaptation to societal transformation, with an aim to create an inclusive and just society for all people. Disability practice and policy on the Social Model seek to dismantle and challenge the barriers that marginalize and exclude people living with disabilities. This model emphasizes the significance of universal accessibility to ensure that all activities, services and environments are usable by all people despites their abilities (Egner, 2016). In terms of power and disability politics, the Social Model empowers disabled people by recognizing their experiences as valid and by supporting their inclusion and rights. The approach challenges traditional power structures that have perpetuated ableism and promotes a participatory and egalitarian society (Kwon et al., 2023). Crip Theory Crip Theory, is also known as Disability Studies, is a more radical approach to understanding disability. According to Jenks (2019), Crip Theory emerged as a critical response to the limitations of the Social Model and Medical Model, which fail to capture the complexity of disability experiences. The main assumptions of this approach revolve around the rejection of ableist ideologies and the disability’s celebration as a beneficial aspect of human diversity. Imhoff (2017), the term “Crip” is used to reframe and reclaim the negative connotations historically related to disability. The theory questions the dichotomy between non-disabled and disabled, advocating for a more understanding of ability and embodiment. Also, Crip Theory challenges the notion that disability is an issue to be solved, arguing instead for a reconfiguration of society towards accommodating a wide range of minds and bodies.

6 In Crip Theory, the body is viewed as a site of agency and potential, rather than an object of medicalization or pity. This perception challenges the dominant narrative that portrays disabled people as less than other people. Instead, this theory acknowledges the unique perspectives and experiences that disabled people bring to the world, emphasizing the potential for resilience, innovation and creativity that emerges from navigating the world with a disability. The Crip Theory legacy in disability practice has been its influence on disability activism and identity (Runswick‐Cole & Goodley, 2013). This approach has encouraged people with disabilities to reclaim their identities. It focuses more on the significance of embracing disability as a positive aspect of one’s identity, resulting in a more robust disability movement. People with disabilities have found strength in solidarity, creating a collective identity that demands social change (Jenks, 2019). Social factors such as oppression and discrimination are vital to Crip Theory’s understanding of disability. The approach recognizes that disability is a medical condition, social construct and also a political identity. This view calls for a radical transformation of societal attitudes and structures that perpetuate exclusion. According to Ware et al. (2022), Crip Theory challenges physical barriers and the deeply ingrained ableist practices and beliefs that marginalize people with disabilities. Disability practice and policy based on Crip Theory seek to challenge dominant power structures and fight for disability rights. In terms of power and disability politics, Crip Theory empowers people with disabilities by challenging the dominant narratives as well as representations of disability. This approach encourages people with disabilities to take control of their narratives and reject the perception that their minds and bodies are issues to be fixed. According to Imhoff (2017), Crip Theory

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7 seeks to dismantle the power structures that perpetuate ableism and support for disabled people’s right towards agency and self-determination. Utility in Understanding the Contemporary Experience of Disability The utility of understanding disability through the lenses of the three theories lies in their intersecting and complementary perspectives. The Medical Model’s utility lie in its emphasizes on personal health impairments and conditions. The approach provides beneficial medical interventions and knowledge that can improve the lives of people with disabilities. The Medical Model’s expertise is significant where specific medical treatments are needed (Brail, 2015). Nevertheless, the Medical Model’s utility is limited when understanding the broader environmental and social factors that affect disability experiences. Depending on medical treatment only can overlook the discrimination and systematic barriers faced by people with disabilities, which affect their quality of life. The Social Model’s utility is evident in its recognition of disability as a product of exclusionary practices and societal barriers. By changing the focus from personal to the environment, the theory highlights the significance of creating accessible and inclusive societies. The Social Model acknowledges the role of oppression and discrimination to shape disability experiences (Kalenderidis, 2020). By addressing discriminatory practices, the Social Model contributes to an equitable and just society for people with disabilities. Nevertheless, this model’s utility may not capture the diverse experiences of disabled people or address the radical potential of disability. Also, it can be criticized for not considering personal experiences and variations in disability experiences.

8 Finally, Crip Theory’s utility lies in its empowering and radical approach to disability. By embracing disability as a positive identity, the theory fosters disability self-acceptance and pride among the disabled persons. This view helps develop a sense of belonging, enabling disabled people to come together to challenge societal norms and advocate for their rights. Crip Theory’s emphasis on intersectionality recognizes that disability intersects with other social identities such as class, sexuality, gender and race. Understanding disability through such lenses allows for more comprehensive analysis of the experiences of disabled people from diverse backgrounds. Nevertheless, Crip Theory’s utility might be limited in diverse practical contexts such as designing accessible environments or addressing specific medical needs (Constantino et al., 2022). Conclusion The Social Model, Medical Model and Crip Theory each offer distinct approaches to understanding disability. The Social Model emphasizes societal inclusion and barriers, the Medical Model focuses on people deficits and medical treatments and Crip Theory challenges ableist norms and reimagining disability as a political identity. Each approach has shaped disability practice and policy, with the Crip Theory and Social Model advocating for transformative and inclusive changes. Each approach has its limitations and strengths, and their utility in understanding the contemporary experience of disability is best realized when they are integrated and used altogether. Combining these perspectives can inform disability policy and practice that addresses the full spectrum of societal and individual factors influencing disability experiences. By adopting an intersectional and inclusive approach, society can work towards developing a more equitable, empowering and accessible environment for all people despites their abilities.

9 References Baril, A. (2015). Transness as debility: Rethinking intersections between trans and disabled embodiments. Feminist Review , 111 (1), 59-74. https://doi.org/10.1057/fr.2015.21 Constantino, C., Campbell, P., & Simpson, S. (2022). Stuttering and the social model. Journal of Communication Disorders , 96 , 106200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomdis.2022.106200 Egner, J. (2016). A messy trajectory: From medical sociology to crip theory. In Sociology looking at disability: What did we know and when did we know it (Vol. 9, pp. 159-192). Emerald Group Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-354720160000009009 Imhoff, S. (2017). Why disability studies needs to take religion seriously. Religions , 8 (9), 186. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel8090186 Jenks, A. (2019). Crip theory and the disabled identity: Why disability politics needs impairment. Disability & Society , 34 (3), 449-469. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2018.1545116 Kalenderidis, Z. (2020, February). The great reveal: The experiences of a registered music therapist with a disability: An arts-based research project. In Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy (Vol. 20, No. 1). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v20i1.2873 Kwon, C.-k., Guadalupe, S. S., Archer, M., & Groomes, D. A. (2023). Understanding career development pathways of college students with disabilities using crip theory and the theory of whole self. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 16 (4), 520–525. https://doi.org/10.1037/dhe0000464

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10 Lamb, E. G. (2015). Age and/as disability: a call for conversation. Age, Culture, Humanities: An Interdisciplinary Journal , 2 , 315-324. https://doi.org/10.7146/ageculturehumanities.v2i.130612 Palm-Leis, K. B. (2023). Searching for Authenticity in Disability Identity Development. The Vermont Connection, 44 (1). https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/tvc/vol44/iss1/18 Runswick‐Cole, K., & Goodley, D. (2013). Resilience: A disability studies and community psychology approach. Social and personality psychology compass , 7 (2), 67-78. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12012 Ware, S. M., Zankowicz, K., & Sims, S. (2022). The Call for Disability Justice in Museum Education: Re-Framing Accessibility as Anti-Ableism. Journal of Museum Education , 47 (2), 130-137. https://doi.org/10.1080/10598650.2022.2077079

Understanding Disability.edited

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