Theoretical Models of Disability Essay Sample 

Theory or model of disability these words can be used interchangeably in place of each other. The following essay sample will highlight the various theoretical models of disability and their types and relevance.

To start with a discussion on models of disability we first need to have clarity about the meaning or definition of disability. A disability is a bodily impairment that makes the performance of certain tasks or activities difficult or impossible for the disabled person. It restricts the complete participation of a disabled person.

Disability can be a physical and intellectual disability that could be either temporary or permanent. Physical disability restricts the physical completion of tasks. While an intellectual learning disability includes incapability of reading, writing, listening, motor skills, etc as a result of the difficulty in perception of language, skills, and knowledge.

This essay shall help the students in understanding the theories of disability, the importance of disability theories, physical and learning disabilities, social model of disability, theories of physical disability, sociological theories of disability, types of disabilities, etc.

The various models or theories of disability 

There are various theoretical models of disability based on various external factors influencing the disability of a person. It helps in understanding the impact and functioning of disability. The various models of disability are the following:-

(1) The Medical Model of Disability 

This medical model of disability is a physical disability of a person, which is caused due to disease, bad health conditions, and trauma or anxiety due to an accident that needs medical attention and care.

Medical treatment and care are of utmost importance for any health care policy of any healthcare unit.

(2) The Social Model of Disability 

Disability can be treated and cured by the various social factors of society through a social model. It is not only a disability of an individual but of society at large.

Social factors influence the social environment surrounding a person with a disability. Society at large is responsible for carrying out any social activities and for the management of any social problem. It allows the active participation of disabled people in social life.

Social behaviour, social values,  culture, and social environment of disabled people are taken into consideration whenever there is a need for a major social change in society.

(3) The Minority Model of Disability 

This model adds to the social model of disability. It makes a minority social group of people with disability experience a social life irrespective of any grounds. (Sex, race, caste, religion, orientation, etc). The idea of belongingness of a particular class or minority social community is taken care of under this model. It helps them to share values and exchange experiences of disability.

(4)The Moral Model of Disability 

This model refers to the people with disability being morally responsible for their impairment. It follows the fundamental principles of religion and the Karmic law of Hindus. It follows the principle of evil and sin of Christianity.

(5) The Economic Model of Disability 

The disability of a person cannot help in contributing to the economy and active participation at work. It also affects the productivity level of the employees and causes a financial crisis or pressure on the state’s economy. It creates a low-profit margin for employers and less economic contribution to the state.

(6) The Social Adapted Model of Disability 

A person with a disability may have physical limitations but the social and environmental factor plays a much more important role in restricting the potential of a disabled person.

(7) The Empowering Model of Disability 

It allows the disabled person and his family to make a conscious decision to choose his course of treatment for his disability. The focus of this model is to medically guide the patient with healthy choices and treatment.

This empowering model empowers the person with a disability to have individual goals and objectives. They consciously decide to benefit from a particular treatment or not and hence are not forced to get themselves treated as their opinions and choices are respected.

(8) The Identity Model of Disability 

An identity model is a form of the social model of disability. It helps disabled people in understanding themselves and identify to have a self-awareness of their situation that it is mostly a socially constructed situation. They must associate their physical identity as a positive identity in society and not a reason for shame or embarrassment.

(9) The Expert Model of Disability 

An expert or a professional person will follow a standard medical procedure for the treatment of impairment of a disabled person to improve his medical condition. It is an authoritative and service-providing model.

(10) The Affirmation Model of Disability 

This model includes positive social models and identities, both at an individual and group level for people with disability so that they can share their life experiences. It is built on the liberatory imperative of the social model.

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The above essay sample is written with the purpose to highlight the models and theories of disability, social model of disability, theories of physical disability, and types of models in disability, etc.

Students might face problems with language, vocabulary, research, and writing the college assignments. They can hire any cheap essay writers from any online essay writing service for writing their college assignments.

QQI Level 5 and 6, FETAC Level 6, Disability, Nursing, Well Being, Law, Socialcare service, and Healthcare students could benefit from this above-written essay sample for writing their college assignments on their own.

This sample could also be read along with The Disability Act 2005, The Equal Status Act 2000 (disability), The Employment Equality Act 1998 (disability as a ground of employment discrimination), types of disabilities, promotion of disability awareness, intellectual disability, Auditory Processing Disorder etc.

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