Ace the 2025 CPACC Challenge: Unlock Your Accessibility Superpowers!

The social model of disability focuses on the idea that disability is not just a result of an individual’s physical or mental impairments, but is significantly influenced by the barriers and stigmas present within society. This model emphasizes that many disabilities are exacerbated by inaccessible environments—whether physical, social, or attitudinal.

According to the social model, it is these barriers that create the experience of disability, rather than the impairment itself. For instance, a person who uses a wheelchair may be perfectly capable of navigating their daily life, but if the environment lacks ramps or accessible features, their mobility is limited due to these external factors. This highlights a key principle of the social model: if society were to eliminate these barriers, individuals with disabilities would have greater opportunities to participate fully and equally.

In contrast, the medical model primarily views disability as a defect to be fixed or treated, focusing on individual impairments rather than societal structures; the charity model often centers on the idea of pity and assistance rather than empowerment; and the functional solutions model typically prioritizes practical adaptations without addressing the broader societal issues at play. Thus, the social model stands out for its critical perspective on the interplay between societal environments and the experience of disability.