Models of Disability

Olkin (1999) talked about three models of disability, each impacting how the disability is perceived. They are...

Moral Model - This focuses on the disability resulting from some sin or moral lapse. The effect - shame.

Medical Model - Disability is a problem in the individual. Action must be taken to cure or rehabilitate. The effect - pathology and treatment.

Minority Model - The environment fails to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. There are negative social attitudes. The problem lies more in society's perception, than in the individual.

I, myself, prefer the minority model.

-Karyn