A Closer Look Into: The Medical vs Social Model of Disability

In the ever-changing ways in which we understand and view disabilities, two prominent models stand out: the Medical Model and the Social Model. These models represent different perspectives on disability and shape how society views and interacts with disabled people.

In this article, we're going to explore the differences between the medical and social models of disability, their strengths and limitations, and whether they can work together to create a more inclusive world. 

In the UK, the Social Model of Disability is the framework adopted by the government and leading charities. It posits that people are disabled by barriers in society, such as buildings with only stairs, rather than by their physical or mental impairments.

The medical and social models of disability are two frameworks used to explain how disability is understood, experienced, and addressed in society.

Key Takeaways: Medical vs Social Models of Disability

• The medical model of disability focuses on diagnosis, treatment, and managing impairment.

• The social model of disability highlights the role of societal, environmental, and attitudinal barriers.

• Neither model fully explains disability on its own.

• A balanced approach recognises medical needs while actively removing barriers.

• Disabled people are not a monolith and must be central to conversations about disability.

What is the Medical Model of Disability?

At its core, the medical model looks at disability through a clinical lens. It asks, 'What's broken and how do we fix it?' The emphasis is placed on the disabled person, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and, in some cases, rehabilitation to minimise the impact of their condition.

This model places importance on medical interventions, therapies, and assistive technologies to address physical or cognitive impairments. While it has contributed significantly to advancements in healthcare, it can also reduce disabled people to something that needs to be fixed or cured, overlooking the wider societal barriers they face.

Under the medical model, a wheelchair user sitting in front of a set of steps may be viewed as someone whose body is the problem, rather than questioning why accessible access was not provided.

Strengths of the Medical Model

• Scientific Advancement: Emphasises medical expertise and life-changing treatments.

• Functional Support: Aims to manage chronic pain or provide successful surgical outcomes.

• Biological Framework: Helps in understanding the clinical aspects of a condition.

Instead of focusing on "fixing" one person at a time, the model looks at the big picture.

Weaknesses of the Medical Model

• Frames disability primarily as a medical deficit

• Can contribute to stigma and depersonalisation

• Focuses on the individual rather than societal barriers

• Does not actively promote accessibility or inclusion

• May limit autonomy by positioning disabled people as passive recipients of care

• Often fails to recognise how disability intersects with race, gender, and class

In the UK, intersectionality plays a massive role. According to the ONS, nearly 30% of Black disabled people live in food-insecure households compared to roughly 15% of white disabled people, highlighting how disability often intersects with socio-economic and racial barriers.

What is the Social Model of Disability?

The social model of disability explains disability as the result of societal, environmental, and attitudinal barriers rather than an individual’s impairment. It places responsibility on society to remove obstacles and create inclusive environments.

This model emphasises accessibility, equal opportunities, and challenging prejudice. When faced with a wheelchair user at the bottom of a staircase, the social model asks: why isn’t there a ramp?

This isn't just a theoretical debate. The Social Model was born out of necessity in the 1970s. It was pioneered by the Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS), a group of activists who were tired of being told their bodies were the problem.

They argued that it wasn’t their impairments that stopped them from working or traveling, it was a society that had built buses, offices, and schools specifically for people who could walk.

This model is not just a theory; it is the foundation of the UK Equality Act 2010, which mandates that businesses and service providers make 'reasonable adjustments' to remove barriers for disabled people.

The social model also aligns closely with disabled people’s lived experiences and the disability rights movement.

Strengths of the Social Model

• Recognises disability as shaped by social structures

• Promotes accessibility, inclusion, and equal rights

• Empowers disabled people and centres autonomy

• Frames disability as a human rights issue

• Encourages systemic change rather than individual “fixes”

• Acknowledges intersectionality and diverse lived experiences

• Benefits everyone by promoting inclusive design

Fun fact: Mike Oliver, the man who coined the term 'Social Model' in 1983, originally did so as a practical tool for social workers. He wanted them to stop seeing disabled people as 'patients' and start seeing them as citizens being denied their rights.

Weaknesses of the Social Model

• Can oversimplify the wide range of disabled experiences

• May exclude people who are chronically ill, sick, or housebound

• Risks tokenistic action without meaningful change

• Can idealise independence without acknowledging support needs

How Accessibility Apps Support the Social Model

At Sociability, we believe technology should be a tool for the Social Model. By creating digital environments that are accessible by design, we remove the barriers that prevent disabled people from navigating the world with autonomy.

Conclusion

Comparing the medical and social models of disability highlights the difference between treating impairment and removing societal barriers.

In reality, the medical and social models of disability are not mutually exclusive. A more effective approach recognises the value of both. Disabled people may require ongoing medical care, therapy, or support while also being disabled by inaccessible environments, attitudes, and systems.

Too often, disabled people are treated as medical curiosities, with strangers asking about diagnoses before learning their names. This reflects how deeply medicalised disability still is in everyday life.

The social model reminds us that many disabling factors exist outside the body, from inaccessible buildings to hostile attitudes and inadequate social care. These barriers are not inevitable. They are created by society and can be changed.

Disability conversations must be led by disabled people. Nothing about us without us. Disabled people are individuals with unique needs, preferences, and lives. Above all, disabled people are people and deserve dignity, access, autonomy, and privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the medical and social models of disability?

The medical model focuses on treating or managing an individual’s impairment, while the social model focuses on removing societal barriers that restrict participation.

Is one model better than the other?

No. Both models have strengths and limitations. Many advocate for a balanced approach that recognises medical needs while addressing accessibility and inclusion.

Why does the social model matter for accessibility?

The social model shifts responsibility away from individuals and onto society, highlighting the need for accessible environments, inclusive design, and equitable systems.

Further Reading:

• Scope: A deep-dive into Social Model examples.

• Disability Rights UK: Guidance on the Equality Act 2010.

• Inclusion London: History of the UK Disability Rights Movement.

• AbilityNet: Resources for digital accessibility in the UK.