Disability models — how the world perceives us
What we have vs what we need
Ever since embarking on the journey to understand the world I have been a part of since childhood but never really wanting to own it, I have come across a cornucopia of literature which has given me insight on issues I didn't even know existed. One of the topics is disability models and this is what I would like to highlight today. What I am blown away by most is that I see aspects of my life reflected in each and every one of these models. This might be more of a Disability Studies 101 class but stick around. You might be glad that you did.
Disability Models
Firstly, what are disability models and why do we need them? Disability models, just like models in any other field like economics or science are tools for defining impairment and are required because they provide basis upon which society can devise a plan for meeting the needs of people with disabilities (PWDs).
Medical Model
This model believes that disability results from a person’s physical or mental limitations and since the source of the problem is that very person, the solution should also come from finding a cure for the limitation or in other words making the disabled person more “normal”. While the therapeutic aspects of this model may be of value, it does not take into account permanent disabilities which cannot be cured no matter how much effort is made. Moreover, it adopts a paternalistic approach which justifies segregation and fosters prejudice in minds of employers making them think PWDs are unproductive and incapable.

Social Model
This model was created in opposition to the medical model and it is of the view that environmental, social and attitudinal barriers prevent PWDs from realizing their true potential in the society and if these obstructions are removed, the aspirations of the disabled community could be met. Instead of placing blame on the individual, it holds the society responsible for the failure of PWDs. The challenges faced by this model are that the society cannot adjust fast enough to meet the demands of an ever increasing disabled population and that its concepts are not easily understood by the layman.

Tragedy/Charity Model
This model depicts PWDs as victims of circumstance and shows them as someone who deserves pity rather than respect. It supposes that they cannot manage their own affairs and require charity to survive. It is a very detrimental model because it lowers self esteem of the disabled, advocates unnecessary institutionalization and provides employers with an easy way out of addressing real issues in their workplace by simply donating to charitable organizations.

Religious Model
This model pushes the agenda that disability is a form of punishment inflicted upon an individual or family as a consequence of sins committed by them or their parents. Sometimes, mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are thought of as possession by evil spirits. Conversely, it may be thought of as a purgatory or trial in order to achieve spiritual award later on.
Rights Based Model
This model encourages PWDs to take a political stance and borrow strategies from other social movements and demand equal human and civil rights. The two main elements of the rights-based approach are empowerment where PWDs should be thought of as active stakeholders and accountability which makes sure that public institutions implement the rights of PWDs.
An overview

What does the future hold?
In conclusion, it must be understood that these models are dynamic and keep on evolving as the society changes. We must aim at working constantly to we analyze each model, extract the beneficial points of each and then use them to create a holistic approach to not only empower PWDs but make them an indispensable part of the society.

