The Social Model of Disability
The Social Model of Disability is a way of understanding the lives of Disabled People. A Disabled Person is someone who is excluded from the everyday world because of something that is considered ‘different’ about how their mind or body or both work.
The Social Model of Disability says to stop looking at the individual that is ‘different’, instead look at the barriers and problems that surround them. Fix the world to make it more accessible, and tackle discrimination
There is a language that goes with the Social Model of Disability. ‘Disability’ is created by the barriers, discrimination and exclusion that people who are considered different face. To describe an individual’s difference, diagnoses or label (for instance Autism, Down’s Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Bipolar) the Social Model uses the word ‘impairment’. By using these words we can separate the individual difference (impairment) from the disability (the barriers, barriers, discrimination and exclusion), which helps us to think about what it is that the world needs to change. It means that we can all contribute to that change because disability does not belong to individuals it is caused by the way society treats difference.
What do you think about the Social Model?
I think it makes perfect sense and puts into words the things I believe about what 'disability' is and what creates it.
How do you use it?
Its the lens through which I view the world: In a Social Model world - we are all
responsible for ensuring everyone can access everything, from going to a night club and
dancing all night to learning to play the saxophone. Access is always possible
- all we have to do is work out how. That might involve time, adaptation and
particular approaches to learning things.
It might not work first time - that's ok - we'll see what we've learned and try again.
Why does it matter?
No other way of seeing the world makes sense... and because I'm very lucky
- no one has ever told me that I'm not able to follow my dreams. I have a life filled
with music, music is hugely important to me; it is an essential part of who I am.
Many people are not only denied access to the things that are important to them
- they are often denied the opportunity to even work out what those things might be
- that's what makes them 'disabled' people - and that's not ok.
In the words of the parent of a disabled performer I worked with recently, 'I am saddened
that people are denied the opportunity to take part in fulfilling activities of their choice.
Very often they will only know what is available through the information others choose to
provide and can only participate if there is someone available to provide support and
encouragement At times I believe there is a certain reluctance to provide this, perhaps
through general lethargy or perhaps because they try to shield them from disappointment
and failure; not fully understanding the strengths and talents which they possess.'
The Social Model matters because it makes 'disability' everyone's business but a Model won't change the world; it's down to each of us to do something that makes a difference. Being part of a project that creates an environment where people have an equal right to access music, the arts and life is a thing I choose to do to make a difference... It also happens to be a lot of fun.
By Jane Williams
I think it makes perfect sense and puts into words the things I believe about what 'disability' is and what creates it.
How do you use it?
Its the lens through which I view the world: In a Social Model world - we are all
responsible for ensuring everyone can access everything, from going to a night club and
dancing all night to learning to play the saxophone. Access is always possible
- all we have to do is work out how. That might involve time, adaptation and
particular approaches to learning things.
It might not work first time - that's ok - we'll see what we've learned and try again.
Why does it matter?
No other way of seeing the world makes sense... and because I'm very lucky
- no one has ever told me that I'm not able to follow my dreams. I have a life filled
with music, music is hugely important to me; it is an essential part of who I am.
Many people are not only denied access to the things that are important to them
- they are often denied the opportunity to even work out what those things might be
- that's what makes them 'disabled' people - and that's not ok.
In the words of the parent of a disabled performer I worked with recently, 'I am saddened
that people are denied the opportunity to take part in fulfilling activities of their choice.
Very often they will only know what is available through the information others choose to
provide and can only participate if there is someone available to provide support and
encouragement At times I believe there is a certain reluctance to provide this, perhaps
through general lethargy or perhaps because they try to shield them from disappointment
and failure; not fully understanding the strengths and talents which they possess.'
The Social Model matters because it makes 'disability' everyone's business but a Model won't change the world; it's down to each of us to do something that makes a difference. Being part of a project that creates an environment where people have an equal right to access music, the arts and life is a thing I choose to do to make a difference... It also happens to be a lot of fun.
By Jane Williams
What do you think about the Social Model?
I think the Social Model of Disability is the only sensible and real way to
think about society and the lives of Disabled People. It speaks to me about
my life and my experience. It gives me a way of turning the world's stare
away from me, encouraging it to look at the surroundings that we all live
in and what can be changed to improve them.
How do you use it?
I use the Model to think about issues Disabled People face and how these
can be identified as barriers, exclusions or discrimination. This has made it
clear that if I am not actively including then, by default, I am excluding.
Why does it matter?
It matters because it comes from Disabled People themselves and is the only
way I can understand my experience. It matters because it brings Disabled
People together. In my experience whether someone has Autism or Multiple
Sclerosis, Down's Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, people all want to be treated
with respect, included in the best way for them, and have a world that
works for them. It matters because Disability is something everyone can
change; making the world a better place.
By Rachel Purtell
I think the Social Model of Disability is the only sensible and real way to
think about society and the lives of Disabled People. It speaks to me about
my life and my experience. It gives me a way of turning the world's stare
away from me, encouraging it to look at the surroundings that we all live
in and what can be changed to improve them.
How do you use it?
I use the Model to think about issues Disabled People face and how these
can be identified as barriers, exclusions or discrimination. This has made it
clear that if I am not actively including then, by default, I am excluding.
Why does it matter?
It matters because it comes from Disabled People themselves and is the only
way I can understand my experience. It matters because it brings Disabled
People together. In my experience whether someone has Autism or Multiple
Sclerosis, Down's Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, people all want to be treated
with respect, included in the best way for them, and have a world that
works for them. It matters because Disability is something everyone can
change; making the world a better place.
By Rachel Purtell
