People’s perceptions concerning individuals with disabilities determine how they care and live with them in different communities. In this regard, the social model of disability focuses on changing the misconception that people with disabilities have problems, which need medical treatments to be fixed. According to Kattari et al. (2017), the model highlights society’s barriers and blame them for the anguishes experienced by persons with disabilities. Indeed, although they strive to live a prosperous life, external forces rather than medical reasons interrupt their progress and ambitions. For example, it is significant to examine environmental challenges, including buildings, public places, and modes of transport developed without thoughts of people with disabilities’ needs. Therefore, the social model helps individuals visualize the building’s problem for lacking a ramp at the entrance instead of blaming people for their disabilities, which are beyond their control.
Besides, the social model helps eliminate prejudices and stereotypes that prevent disabled individuals from enjoying equal opportunities as other humans in society. For instance, the public perceives people with disabilities as dependents and burdens to their families and communities. Such misunderstandings have inspired negative attitudes, including assuming that a person with a disability cannot work, live independently, and have children (Kattari et al., 2017). The social model helps to change the public conversation and create an environment that guarantees the choice, control, and independence of disabled individuals. In this way, the government and its people can focus on solutions, which eliminate discriminatory conclusions restricting the potential of persons with disabilities. Additionally, the social model encourages the formulation of flexible policies, which incorporate empathy and safeguard all individuals’ rights in society, irrespective of their physical or emotional incapacities. Conclusively, the model suggests solutions that rectify the problems witnessed in the modern and disabling world to remove barriers, which discriminate and isolate people with disabilities.
Reference
Kattari, S. K., Lavery, A., & Hasche, L. (2017). Applying a social model of disability across the life span. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 27(8), 865-880. Web.