19.1  Models of disability

A good way of understanding the distinction between impairment and disability is to consider some of the ways that disability has been thought of in the past. In this part of the session you are going to look at several models of disability. As you do this, think about what each model ‘says’ about the person with an impairment. This will help you to understand – and respond to – traditional beliefs about disability.

A ‘model’ in this context means a particular way of understanding or describing a complex social phenomenon such as disability.

Learning Outcomes for Study Session 19

19.1.1  The charity model