Medical Model of Disability
The Medical Model of Disability views disability primarily as a problem located within the individual. It emphasizes diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, focusing on the physical or mental impairments that limit a person's functioning. This model often leads to the perception that individuals with disabilities need to be "fixed" or cured to participate fully in society.
In this model, healthcare professionals play a central role in assessing and managing disabilities. The approach tends to prioritize medical interventions over social or environmental factors that may contribute to a person's challenges. Critics argue that this perspective can overlook the importance of societal attitudes and accessibility in shaping the experiences of individuals with disabilities.