4.2. Explain key differences between the ‘medical model’ of disability and the ‘social model’ of disability

This guide will help you answer 4.2. Explain key differences between the ‘medical model’ of disability and the ‘social model’ of disability.

The medical model and the social model are two very different ways of viewing disability. Both focus on the same experience – disability – but they explain it in completely contrasting ways. If you’re in a support worker role, understanding these differences can help you work in ways that empower those you support.

Medical Model of Disability

The medical model sees disability as a “problem” located within the individual. It focuses on the person’s medical condition, impairment, or physical difference as the cause of any difficulties they experience. The medical model suggests that the solution to disability lies in the person getting treatment, rehabilitation, or even being “fixed.”

In this model, disability is seen as something that needs to be “cured.” If the person cannot be cured, the medical model assumes they will have limited opportunities or a poorer quality of life.

Key ideas of the medical model include:

• Disability is the direct result of a physical or mental impairment.
• The main aim is to diagnose, treat, and reduce the impact of the condition.
• The focus is on what the individual cannot do because of their impairment.

An example of the medical model might be a person who has lost their vision. Under this model, their difficulties in reading or accessing everyday resources would be attributed entirely to their visual loss. Efforts would then focus on surgery, medication, or assistive tools (like glasses or a white cane) that aim to “fix” their condition.

Social Model of Disability

The social model takes a very different approach. It views disability as a result of the way society is organised, not the result of an individual’s impairment. It argues that barriers – such as physical, societal, or attitudinal obstacles – exclude people with impairments and create “disability.”

This model focuses on changing environments and attitudes instead of focusing solely on the individual. It highlights the importance of removing barriers so everyone can participate equally in society.

Key ideas of the social model include:

• The distinction between “impairment” (the physical/mental condition) and “disability” (restrictions created by society).
• The belief that disability is caused by inaccessible environments, discrimination, and negative attitudes.
• The focus is on solving societal barriers rather than “fixing” the individual.

Taking the example of someone who is blind, the social model would argue that their difficulty in reading or accessing information comes from barriers in society. Book publishers might not provide Braille or audio formats. Websites might not be compatible with screen readers. These are barriers that society can – and should – remove.

Key Differences Between the Two Models

Let’s compare the differences between the medical model and the social model directly. Understanding these differences is vital for enabling support workers to work in ways that create equality, inclusion, and empowerment.

1. Where the “Problem” Is Located

• Medical Model: Places the problem inside the person. It views the impairment as the central issue.
• Social Model: Places the problem in society. It argues that people with impairments are disabled by barriers in the environment or attitudes, not by their condition.

For example:

• Medical model: “This person is unable to climb stairs because of a mobility impairment.”
• Social model: “This staircase is stopping this person from going upstairs. A ramp or lift would solve the problem.”

2. Focus of the Solution

• Medical Model: Focuses on medical treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation of the individual. It tries to “fix” the person’s impairment.
• Social Model: Focuses entirely on removing societal and environmental barriers to inclusion. It looks at making adjustments so the person can participate fully.

For example:

• Medical model: A child with dyslexia is given therapy aimed at “correcting their condition.”
• Social model: The school provides lessons in a visually friendly format, such as videos or recorded lectures, so the child can learn their way.

3. View of Disability

• Medical Model: Views disability as a negative, undesirable, or unfortunate condition.
• Social Model: Sees disability as something society has created by failing to include and support people with impairments. It sees inclusion as beneficial for everyone.

For example:

• Medical model: A disabled person might be seen as dependent or needing constant care.
• Social model: That same person is recognised as an equal member of society who has skills, talents, and contributions, provided the barriers are removed.

4. Role of the Individual

• Medical Model: The individual with the impairment is expected to adapt or change as much as possible.
• Social Model: Society is expected to adapt and change to meet the needs of individuals with impairments.

For example:

• Medical model: A deaf job seeker is told they cannot work in customer service because of their condition.
• Social model: A deaf job seeker is provided with a sign language interpreter or written methods of communication, enabling them to perform customer service tasks.

5. Attitudes and Perceptions

• Medical Model: Reinforces stereotypes that disabled people are “different” and need “special” treatment.
• Social Model: Promotes inclusion, equality, and opportunities for all.

For example:

• Medical model: A disabled child may feel isolated because they are sent to a separate school or classroom for “support.”
• Social model: Adjustments are made within the mainstream school so the child can learn alongside peers without feeling excluded.

Impact on Support Work

In practical terms, understanding these differences is critical for those working in health and social care. Here are some examples of how these models influence your work as a support worker.

Promoting Inclusion

The social model helps you focus on breaking down barriers preventing service users from participating fully in daily life. For example, instead of assuming a wheelchair user cannot do certain activities, you can look for ways to adapt or modify tasks to suit them. A trip to the park might involve choosing an accessible route and activity.

Reducing Discrimination

The social model emphasises respect for disabled people’s rights. Knowing how the medical model can unintentionally label individuals as “less able,” you can actively challenge bias and assumptions in your workplace.

For instance, if a colleague assumes a service user cannot do something, you can step in and explain that environment and opportunity play a huge role in people’s abilities.

Supporting Independence

While the medical model may prioritise “fixing impairments,” the social model focuses on empowering individuals. This means finding solutions that help service users maintain as much independence as possible. For example, using assistive technology or providing tailored resources gives them greater control over their lives.

Criticisms of Both Models

While both models have their strengths, they are not without limitations. It is important to acknowledge their challenges.

• The medical model can overlook how empowering adaptations can improve quality of life. Focusing only on “fixing” the impairment may reinforce the idea that disabled people are “broken” or incomplete.
• The social model, while highlighting barriers, may simplify some of the difficulties caused by impairments themselves. Pain, fatigue, or mental health issues may persist even in an inclusive society.

In modern practice, the best approach often involves combining aspects of both models. By recognising the role of medical treatment while addressing societal barriers, support workers can focus on improving wellbeing for individuals across all areas of life.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the key differences between the medical model and the social model can transform how you support people with disabilities. The medical model gives insight into personal challenges caused by impairments. However, the social model encourages us as a society to break down unnecessary barriers.

As a support worker, adopting the social model means working to empower individuals within your care by removing obstacles, challenging unhelpful attitudes, and creating inclusive opportunities. Both models can play a role in supporting individuals, but your focus should always be on reducing barriers wherever possible to create equality in practice.