The Social Model Of Disability

Overview

While there are several models of disability, the Social Model of Disability is one of the most important. "The social model of disability seeks to ensure that people with disabilities (PWD) participate on equal basis with others in every sphere of life" (Tugli, Klu, Morwe, 2014). In the article, "Critical Elements of the Social Model of Disability: Implications for Students with Disabilities in a South African Institution of Higher Education," the authors set out to demonstrate what the Social Model of Disability means for persons with and without disabilities, it analyzes the elements of the model and how it could impact the functioning of students with disabilities in a higher education institution in South Africa, and it makes

From how people with disabilities want to be seen to how people without disabilities see persons without disabilities, it seems there are modifications being made. According to Tugli, et al, The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health for application to various aspects of health, to better explain disability in a universally accepted context (2014). This classification system helps to make clear of impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and barriers. Since there is a push for an increase of students with disabilities participating in educational institutions (Weedon et al., 2008,) it is important that institutions follow in WHO 's footsteps and treat each student 's disability individually. "Social Model of Disability seeks for adaptation of society and its organizational and environmental designs to accommodate all forms of human diversity including disabilities" (Tugli et al., 2014). Under The Social Model of Disability, people with disabilities are a significant part of our society, which is why eliminating barriers both in education and everyday life are

The goal of this model is to disable these barriers that have previously been described. Furthermore, the Social Model has altered the way we see disabilities. It has helped progress the treatment of PWD in society and schools alike. According to Tugli et al., South Africa has put several policies into place to ensure inclusion of individuals with disabilities (2014). South African Schools Act No 84, White Paper 6 on Special Needs Education and Training System and White Paper 3 on the Transformation of the Higher Education System are a few of these policies aimed at creating equality for those with disabilities. Without policies in place, those with disabilities are set up for failure. Tugli, Klu, and Morwe hope to raise awareness of the needs and challenges of PWD, encourage people to observe the expectations and norm spelt out in existing disability legislations, and promote enabling environments that will ensure adequate social accommodation of all