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Contrast of Approaches

There have been several different models for understanding disability. The chart below depicts the "old" model and the "new" model. "Old" refers to the medical model and "new" to the biopsychsocial model, articulated by the World Health Organization’s new definition of disability, which is more holistic and contextual.

Contrast of Paradigms
  "Old" Approach "New" Approach
Definition of disability An individual is limited by his/her impairement or condition An individual with an impairment requires an accomodation to perform functions required to carry out life activities
Strategy to address disability Fix the individual, correct the deficit Remove barriers, create access through accomodation and universal design, promote wellness and health
Method to address disability Provision of medical, vocational, or psychological rehabilitation services Providion of supports, e.g., assistive technology, personal assistance services, job coach
Source of intervention Professionals, clinicians, and other rehabilitation providers Peers, mainstream service providers, consumer information services
Entitlements Eligibility for benefits based on severity of impairment Eligibility for accomodations seen as a civil right
Role of individual with disability Object of intervention, patient, research subject Consumer or customer, empowered peer, research participant, decision-maker
Domain of disability A medical "problem" A socio-environmental issue involving accessibility, accomodations, and equity