1.1 Dudley-Marling and Gurn (2010:4) in their book ‘The Myth of the Normal Curve’, contend that
‘to be considered outside the boundaries of normal has consequences.
1.1.1 According to the medical model of disability, which learners in ordinary schools are regarded
as ‘outside the boundaries of normal’ and how does this model justify the view that it holds of
such learners? (5)
Medical model of disability
The social model of disability says that disability is caused by the way
society is organised. The medical model of disability says people are
disabled by their impairments or differences.
Under the medical model, these impairments or differences should be
‘fixed’ or changed by medical and other treatments, even when the
impairment or difference does not cause pain or illness.
The medical model looks at what is ‘wrong’ with the person and not what
the person needs. It creates low expectations and leads to people losing
independence, choice and control in their own lives.
Social model of disability: some examples
• A wheelchair user wants to get into a building with a step at the
entrance. Under a social model solution, a ramp would be added to the
entrance so that the wheelchair user is free to go into the building
immediately. Using the medical model, there are very few solutions to
help wheelchair users to climb stairs, which excludes them from many
essential and leisure activities.
• A teenager with a learning difficulty wants to work towards living
independently in their own home but is unsure how to pay the rent.
Under the social model, the person would be supported so that they
are enabled to pay rent and live in their own home. Under a medical
model, the young person might be expected to live in a communal
home.
• A child with a visual impairment wants to read the latest best-selling
book to chat about with their sighted friends. Under the medical model,
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