The social model of disability

The Social model of disability is a way of viewing the world, developed by people living with disability. The model says that people are disabled by barriers in society, such as buildings not having a ramp or accessible toilets, or people’s attitudes such as assuming people with disability can’t do certain things.

Medical model of disability

The Medical model of disability says people are disabled by their impairments or differences and looks at what is ‘wrong’ with the person not what the person needs. We believe that Medical model of disability creates low expectations and leads to people losing independence, choice and control in their lives.

Removing barriers creates equality

The Social model helps us recognise barriers that make life harder for people with disability. Removing these barriers creates equality and offers people with disability more independence, choice and control.

Sourced from the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations.