Medical model of disability

Definition

The medical model of disability views disability primarily as a problem of the individual, focusing on medical impairments and limitations. It emphasizes diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to 'fix' the person, often neglecting social and environmental factors that contribute to the experience of disability. This model has influenced healthcare practices and societal attitudes toward people with disabilities, framing them as needing help rather than as individuals with unique experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The medical model focuses on diagnosing disabilities through medical assessments and categorizing individuals based on their impairments.
2. Critics of the medical model argue that it reinforces stereotypes and perpetuates stigmas against people with disabilities by framing them solely as 'patients.'
3. In the context of performance and disability studies, the medical model often overlooks the artistic and expressive potential of disabled individuals.
4. The medical model can lead to an emphasis on cure over inclusion, sidelining the importance of accessibility and social support in the lives of people with disabilities.
5. The dominance of the medical model has shaped policy-making and funding decisions, often prioritizing medical interventions over community-based solutions.

Review Questions

• How does the medical model of disability influence societal perceptions of individuals with disabilities?
  • The medical model of disability shapes societal perceptions by framing individuals primarily as patients who need treatment or fixing. This perspective can lead to stigmatization, as it emphasizes deficits rather than strengths. Consequently, it often results in a lack of understanding about the diverse experiences of people with disabilities and can foster negative attitudes toward their capabilities.
• Discuss the limitations of the medical model when applied to performance in arts by individuals with disabilities.
  • The medical model's focus on impairment can limit recognition of the unique artistic contributions made by individuals with disabilities. By concentrating on what is 'wrong' with the person, it often overlooks their creative potential and experiences. This limitation can hinder opportunities for inclusive performance practices that celebrate diversity and encourage participation from all artists, regardless of ability.
• Evaluate how the shift from a medical model to a social model of disability could transform performance studies.
  • Shifting from a medical to a social model of disability could radically transform performance studies by highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusion in artistic expression. By viewing disability as a social construct rather than just an individual problem, performance studies could embrace diverse voices and experiences. This change would encourage innovative practices that break down barriers, allowing for richer storytelling that reflects society's varied perspectives on disability.

Related terms

social model of disability: This model asserts that disability is caused by societal barriers and discrimination rather than just medical conditions, emphasizing the need for social change.

impairment: A term used to describe a loss or abnormality of a physiological or psychological function, which may contribute to a person's disability.

rehabilitation: A process aimed at restoring a person's ability to function and participate in society after injury or illness, often guided by the medical model.