4 Historical Models of Disability
A central aim of disability research along with disability civil rights efforts is to raise awareness of what it means to be disabled in the United Stated . Kaplan points our four Models of disability that have been used to illustrate how individuals experience various visible and invisible disabilities .
First , The moral model the oldest of the models is grounded in the idea that having a disability is a sin and is a source of embarrassment for the person with the disability
This model not only fosters exclusion but promotes a sense of self- disapproval and lack of self-worth .
Second the medical model emerging during the 19 th century support in American society the rehabilitation model evolved This model posits that individuals with disability should pursue various types of medical training therapy or counseling to address their disabilities .
Fourth the most modern of the four models the disability model regards a disability
as a common state of being as opposed to an uncommon state of being the disability model also identifies societal inequity as a serious social ill experienced by persons with disabilities and as the cause of many of the problems that are regarded as intrinsic to the disability under the other models This model is most useful in explaining the role that social circumstances play in creating disabling conditions
Hence . in the workplace by understanding disability as a common state of being people with disabilities can be ensured a more inclusive and participatory workplace environment