Our approach
There are two approaches to
disability; the Social Approach which CONTACT promotes, and the more
traditional Medical Approach. We believe that a social approach offers the
opportunity for greater equality and independence for disabled people. We
also believe that the medical approach prevents equality for disabled
people.
CONTACT encourages people and
other organisations to work towards a Social Approach.
Below is a brief explanation
of the two approaches.
1. A social approach to disability
‘A person is disabled by society'
This approach suggests that
disability is not about people’s impairments, medical experiences or
health backgrounds. Barriers come in many forms; for example:
a) inaccessible services
b) patronising or negative attitudes
c) low expectations of
disabled people
d) poor education and employment opportunities
These barriers and attitudes can be
challenged by both disabled people and non-disabled people.
This is why CONTACT’s support service is based upon a social approach to disability. We believe that this
approach will bring about more equality and opportunities for disabled people.
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2. A medical approach - this is the traditional approach to disability issues.
‘A person is considered disabled because of their impairment’
A medical approach suggests that disability is inevitable for people who have impairments and are not ‘normal’.
Difficulties and barriers are things that disabled people must learn to ‘cope’
with. The world is meant to be for ‘normal’ people and disabled people are
expected to be grateful for whatever they receive. Disabled people need to be
‘cured’ if they are to become ‘normal’ people and take part in all aspects of
life.
Most services, organisations, legislation and decisions that affect disabled people are based on this
approach. This places responsibility for change on disabled people.
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