Medical Model Of Disability Essay

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Introductory Awareness of Models of Disability Describe the medical model of disability: This model view disability as a ‘problem’ to only the individual with the disability and not to any other. Describe the social model of disability: This views society as the disabling factor, by designing things to suit the needs of the majority, rather than the needs of disabled people. Outline how each of the models has developed and evolved over time Medical model: This model has developed a lot over time. Rather than care being institutional orientated, many people are now in community based care settings, allowing them to feel included as a valuable part of society. Society has changed to view the strengths of individuals with disabilities, rather…show more content…
There would then be some kind of medical intervention such as medication, operations or counselling. The individual would then be re-examined by medical professionals. If their condition is cured, they would no longer need to use social care services and would no longer be helped. If they are not cured, the process would begin over again, using a different kind of medical intervention. However, this may lead to mistrust between medical professionals and the disabled individual, leaving the individual feeling abandoned, isolated and let down. The medical model would exclude disabled individuals from mainstream society as they are viewed as vulnerable and ‘at risk’. This gives them limited opportunities to meet new people, develop relationships, have control over their own finances and decisions and leaves them lacking confidence. Social…show more content…
Therefore, to protect them, they are kept away from mainstream society and excluded. * Rights: The medical model of disability believes that medical professionals know best. This means that therefore the rights of the individual are seen as unimportant and are pushed aside to follow the opinion of the medical professionals. * Autonomy: Decisions in health and social care services for people with disabilities are usually made by carers or medical professionals, as they feel they know what is best for the individual. Therefore, autonomy is not an important principle in the medical model. * Needs of individuals: The medical model does focus on the needs of the individual, but the needs of the individual are decided by medical professionals or carers, rather than the individual. Therefore, it could be questioned as to whether the needs of the individual are met in a care setting based on the traditional medical model. Social

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