Vammaisuuskäsitys

Vammaisuuskäsitys refers to the societal understanding and definition of disability. Historically, and in many contexts still today, disability has been viewed through a medical model, where it is seen as an individual's inherent deficit or problem requiring medical intervention and treatment. This perspective often focuses on the limitations imposed by a person's condition and aims to "fix" or "cure" the disability.

However, a more contemporary and increasingly prevalent understanding is the social model of disability. This model posits that disability is not solely a consequence of an individual's impairment but arises from the barriers and discrimination present in society. These barriers can be physical, attitudinal, or systemic, preventing individuals with impairments from fully participating in society. From this viewpoint, the focus shifts from the individual's condition to the societal structures that create exclusion.

The shift from the medical to the social model has profound implications for policy, law, and social attitudes. It emphasizes accessibility, equal opportunities, and the removal of societal barriers rather than solely on individual adaptation. Vammaisuuskäsitys is a dynamic concept that continues to evolve as societies grapple with issues of inclusion, human rights, and the diversity of human experience. Different cultures and legal systems may also hold varying perspectives on what constitutes disability and how it should be addressed.