3.2 Explain the medical and social models of disability

September 3, 2024

4 mins READ

Table of Contents

Summary

Medical Model Focus: The medical model views disability as an individual problem stemming from impairments, leading to a reliance on medical intervention and treatment. It often results in exclusion due to its focus on deficits rather than societal barriers.

Social Model Perspective: The social model argues that disability arises from societal barriers, including physical, attitudinal, and organisational obstacles. It promotes inclusivity by advocating for changes that enable full participation of individuals with disabilities.

Implementing Inclusivity: Early years practitioners can enhance inclusivity by developing supportive policies, adapting learning materials, and collaborating with families to identify and remove barriers in educational settings.

Balanced Approach: A combination of both models is beneficial. Address healthcare needs while promoting an inclusive environment that focuses on individual strengths, ensuring all children can thrive in their community.

This guide will help you answer 3.2 Explain the medical and social models of disability.

When you’re working as an Early Years Practitioner, understanding the different models of disability is crucial. It helps you create inclusive environments where every child can thrive. The main models to consider are the medical model and the social model of disability. Each model views disability from a different perspective.

What is the Medical Model of Disability?

The medical model of disability focuses on the individual’s condition. It primarily sees disability as a problem that resides in the person. This model suggests that disabilities arise from physical, mental, or sensory impairments. Hence, the individual requires medical intervention or treatment.

This model is grounded in a clinical view. The responsibility for change lies with the individual with the impairment. Here’s how the medical model typically operates:

Focus on Diagnosis: The medical model emphasises diagnosing and categorising impairments. Health professionals define what is “normal” and what is “abnormal”.
Treatment and Rehabilitation: It prioritises treatments, therapies, and interventions aimed at curing or alleviating the condition.
Dependency on Professionals: Professionals, like doctors and therapists, are the authority figures. They determine the needs and level of care required by the individual.
Objective Assessment: Decisions are often based on objective assessments rather than personal well-being or quality of life concerns.

The medical model treats disability as a deficit or limitation that must be fixed or managed. This view can lead to exclusion since it doesn’t typically consider societal barriers that might hinder a person’s participation.

The Limitations of the Medical Model

Though the medical model can be useful for addressing specific health needs, it has limitations. For instance:

Exclusionary Practices: Focusing solely on impairments can lead to exclusion. Environments aren’t always adapted to include children with disabilities.
Pathologises Differences: It may pathologise any deviation from the norm. This doesn’t consider that variations in abilities are natural and expected.
Neglects Social Environment: It overlooks the importance of changing the social environment to improve accessibility and inclusion.

In the context of early years education, relying solely on the medical model can restrict opportunities for young children who have disabilities. Practitioners might unintentionally limit a child’s experiences based on their diagnostic label rather than considering their potential.

What is the Social Model of Disability?

The social model of disability offers a different perspective. It asserts that disability is not caused by the individual’s impairment. Instead, disability results from barriers within society. These barriers exclude people and prevent them from participating fully.

Key features of the social model include:

Environmental Barriers: It focuses on how physical spaces can be inaccessible. This includes everything from buildings that lack ramps to playgrounds that aren’t equipped for all children.
Attitudinal Barriers: Society’s attitudes can also disable individuals. This involves prejudice, stereotypes, and misconceptions about people with disabilities.
Organisational Barriers: These include policies, procedures, and practices that are not inclusive for all individuals.
Empowerment and Advocacy: The model encourages advocacy for changes in society. Individuals and groups work towards addressing inequalities and promoting inclusivity.
Focus on Skills and Abilities: It highlights individuals’ skills and strengths, not just their impairments. It prioritises what a person can do rather than what they cannot do.

The social model suggests that by removing barriers and changing attitudes, society can enable people with disabilities to participate fully.

Implementing the Social Model in Early Years Settings

As an Early Years Practitioner, applying the social model can dramatically improve the inclusivity of your setting. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your practice:

Inclusive Policies: Develop policies that include every child. Review your environment to ensure it meets the diverse needs of all children.
Adapted Learning Materials: Use materials that cater to different learning styles and abilities. This can include sensory materials and visual aids.
Training and Awareness: Regular training can help you and your colleagues understand the importance of inclusive practices. It’s equally important to educate children to foster acceptance and understanding.
Collaborate with Families: Work closely with families to identify any barriers their children face. They can offer valuable insights into their child’s needs and strengths.
Remove Physical Barriers: Modify spaces to ensure they are accessible. This might involve rearranging rooms or using adaptive equipment.

Balancing Both Models

While each model offers valuable insights, a balanced approach often works best. The medical model plays a role in addressing specific health needs. Meanwhile, the social model offers a framework for creating an inclusive environment. By combining elements of both, you can better support the children in your care.

Key Points for Balance:

Address Healthcare Needs: Understand that medical intervention can be necessary and beneficial. However, it shouldn’t define the child’s entire experience.
Promote Inclusivity: Create an environment where all children have equitable opportunities to learn and play.
Focus on Individual Strengths: Highlight what each child can do. Encourage their personal growth and development.
Advocate for Change: Work towards systemic changes within your setting and the wider community. Encourage others to adopt more inclusive practices.

Conclusion

Understanding the medical and social models of disability helps you see the full picture. The medical model can address critical health aspects, while the social model aims for an inclusive society. In early years settings, applying insights from both models supports a holistic approach. It ensures children aren’t just treated for their impairments, but are also welcomed and included as part of their community. This dual understanding enables you to meet the diverse needs of all children and foster more inclusive early years education.