2.1 Medical model of disability

From the medical point of view, the term ‘disability’ is defined as a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s ability to undertake normal daily activities. Before the 1960s, society’s understanding of disability was largely shaped by the medical model. The model, rather than defining disability, influences society’s psychological, political, and economic responses to it. In this model, disability is seen as a problem that belongs to the individual, requiring medical diagnosis and treatment. Instead of addressing the external barriers a person might experience due to their disability, the emphasis is on treating or curing the individual. The model focuses on what is ‘wrong with the person’, so it can be ‘fixed’ by medicine or other treatments.

Unlike the medical model and its focus on individuals, the social model highlights the role of society and environment in disability. You’ll explore this model next.