The Social Model of Disability
Introduction: A Human Rights Approach
Over 80 years ago, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights set out basic rights that cannot be taken away - such as the right to education, independent living, and safety.
However, Disabled people have historically been denied many of these rights because of societal barriers. In response, Disabled activists developed the Social Model of Disability in the 1970s and 1980s. This model provided a new way of understanding disability and advocating for change.
Building on this foundation, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) was adopted in 2006. It incorporates the principles of the social model into an international human rights framework, addressing the specific challenges Disabled people face worldwide.
Understanding the Social Model of Disability
The Social Model of Disability is a way of viewing the world created by Disabled people. It focuses on removing barriers and creating an inclusive society where everyone can participate fully.
The Social Model vs. The Medical Model
To understand the social model better, it helps to contrast it with the medical model:
Medical Model | Social Model |
Disability is seen as a problem within the person. | Disability is caused by barriers in society. |
Focus on fixing or curing the impairment. | Focus on removing barriers and promoting inclusion. |
People are passive recipients of care. | People are active citizens with rights and choices. |
The medical model views impairments as the main issue, often reducing Disabled people to their limitations and positioning them as passive recipients of services.
The social model, on the other hand, recognises that it is societal barriers, not impairments that disable people. This shift opens up possibilities for positive change, equality, and independence.
Examples of the social model in action
1. A person with mobility difficulties cannot board a bus because it only has steps. Introducing low-floor buses and wheelchair ramps removes the barrier and makes travel possible.
2. An employee with vision impairment struggles to use standard software. Providing screen reader-compatible applications and ensuring documents follow accessibility guidelines removes the barrier, enabling them to perform tasks effectively.
3. A student with dyslexia finds printed materials hard to read. Offering digital versions with text-to-speech options removes the barrier and supports equal learning opportunities.
Applying the social model in co-production
As a member of the Together We Can Forum, you play a key role in identifying barriers and co-producing solutions. When making decisions, always ask yourself:
“Does this remove barriers for Disabled people?”
Your lived experience as a local resident makes you the expert in the room. If something isn’t clear or you feel policies need better explanation, don’t hesitate to speak up. Your voice matters.
By applying the Social Model of Disability in our co-production work, we can create more inclusive policies, services, and environments that benefit everyone in our community.
As part of the council’s commitment to co-production with residents, it is also committed to transforming services through its Personalisation Programme. This programme ensures residents have greater choice and control in their lives particularly Disabled residents their carers and loved ones who may need additional support to live independently in their own homes and communities.