Question

There are two models of disability: the medical model of disability and the social model of disability. The medical model asserts that disability requires fixing, a cure or treatment or a way to minimize or remove that disability in a world of non-disabled "normals." The social model asserts that disability is entitled to accommodations to allow for accessibility that is equal or comparable to that of non-disabled "normals." Sometimes this is best explained by an example: Disability: spina bifida, confinement to a wheelchair Modification aligning more strongly with the medical model of disability: Fitting the individual with leg braces to help him or her walk Modification aligning more strongly with the social model of disability: Requiring ramps allowing access to the front doors of all public buildings Indicate whether the listed modifications for severe hearing loss more closely align with the medical model or the social model of disability: 1. American Sign Language interpreter provided at public events 2. encouraging individual to read speakers' lips 3. cochlear implant surgery 4. closed captioning included on all television shows and videos 5. fitting the individual with appropriately-programmed hearing aids 6. traditional speech therapy to teach the individual how to speak 7. specialized lighting and noise reduction alterations such as carpet 8. counseling services provided to both the individual and the individual's close communication partners 9. Smoke detector activation alerts that use flashing strobe lights or vibration 10. use of assisted listening devices such as personal amplifiers, FM systems, and infrared systems

Answer 1

Disability is defined as the limitations of daily living activities due to impairment which can be physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, motor or sensory.

Disability leads to reducing the quality of life of an affected individuals. The society and medical practices work in integration with each another to help the disabled to live the life to its fullest and limit the disability. For example, a person with lower limb amputation is provided with fitting of prosthesis by healthcare services and provision of ramps at public places is provided by society to help minimise activity limitation.

The medical model of disability focuses on managing the disability through medical interventions which will help in reducing activity limitation. This will improve the quality of life of individual. For eg : jaipur foot for amputed leg.

The social model of disability focuses on identifying social behaviours and attitudes that act as barrier for functional activities of the disabled and rectify them through different measures. Provision of ramps and lifts at public places, special toilets for disabled, installation of railings and hand bars are some examples of social measures that help reduce the functional limitation.

Indicate whether the listed modifications for severe hearing loss more closely align with the medical model or the social model of disability: 1. American Sign Language interpreter provided at public events Scial model 2.encouraging individual to read speaks lipsSocial model 3. cochlear implant surgery Medical model 4. closed captioning included on all television shows and videos Social model 5. fitting the individual with appropriately-programmed hearing aids Medical model 6. traditional speech therapy to teach the individual how to speak 7. specialized lighting and noise reduction alterations such as carpet Social model 8. counseling services provided to both the individual and the individual's close communication partners Medical model Social model oke detector activation alerts that use flashing strobe lights or vibration ocial model 10. use of assisted listening devices such as personal amplifiers, FM systems, and infrared systems Medical model