socialmodel

Social model refers to an approach to understanding and addressing disability, illness, and other conditions that emphasizes social and environmental factors rather than medical or personal deficits. It originated in the disability rights movement, where advocates argued that disability was not solely a product of individual impairment, but rather a result of societal attitudes and physical barriers.

This model suggests that disability is not solely determined by an individual's medical condition, but is also shaped by the social and cultural context in which they live. It emphasizes the importance of social and economic factors in determining the experiences of individuals with disabilities, and argues that the design of the physical environment and social institutions play a significant role in creating barriers to participation and opportunities.

The social model of disability has been influential in the development of accessible and inclusive design principles, as well as in the fight for disability rights and equal access. It has also been seen as a more empowering and inclusive approach to disability, allowing individuals to focus on their abilities and potential, rather than their deficits.

Stockholm Declaration and other international agreements have endorsed the social model of disability as a framework for understanding and addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. It has also been influential in shaping disability policy and practices in many countries around the world. Overall, the social model offers a perspective that challenges the dominant medical model of disability and offers a more holistic understanding of the complex interplay between individual, environmental, and social factors that shape the lives of people with disabilities.