Disability Models: Societal Impacts and Policy Implications
摘要
This chapter explores the contrasting frameworks of the social model and the medical model of disability, highlighting their profound implications on societal perceptions and policy formulation. The medical model traditionally views disability as a deficiency or impairment that resides within the individual, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. This perspective often leads to a narrow understanding of disability, framing it as a problem to be fixed. In contrast, the social model emphasizes the role of societal barriers, attitudes, and structures in creating disability, advocating for a shift in focus from individual limitations to the need for inclusive environments and equitable opportunities. By examining these two models, the discussion reveals how they shape public attitudes toward disability and influence legislation and social policies. The social model promotes a more inclusive approach, encouraging the dismantling of barriers and fostering a culture of acceptance and support. Conversely, the medical model can perpetuate stigma and marginalization, often resulting in policies that prioritize medical interventions over social inclusion. Ultimately, this chapter argues for a critical reassessment of how these models inform our understanding of disability, urging policymakers and society to adopt a more holistic and inclusive perspective that recognizes the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities.