Explain the Medical and Social Model of DAP

Explain the Medical and Social Model of DAP                        30 Min

Visual Aid 2.2.3 Medical versus Social Model

Old - Medical Model	Today - The Social Model
·        a curse ·        a disease that might be contagious. ·        a punishment for a parent or the person from deeds in this or a former life ·        a medical condition that must be treated by medical professionals and other specialists ·        something that might be upsetting to non- disabled people	·        can happen to anyone at any point in his or her life; disability is a fact of life, a naturally occurring event; ·        can be temporary or permanent; ·        DAPs can participate and/or contribute to an activity when barriers are removed; ·        barriers can and should be removed or overcome
keep them away	full participation is a right

What does this mean? Ask the trainees. Ask them to bring up examples from their own experiences for the medical and the social model.  

Exercise: Discuss the 2 cases:

Harun: has a mobility impairment and wants to be a computer programmer but there are many steps to the computer lab. This barrier can be overcome if his employer supports it. The computer lab could be moved or a person could help Harun up the steps (if he can manage them) and carry his classroom materials. In case Harun uses a wheelchair, a ramp could be installed in addition to or instead of stairs.

Question: Can Harun do his job? Which are the barriers? What do you think will happen if the barrier is not addressed? Provide several scenarios.

Sheuly Akter: “I cannot use one of my legs, but try to find anything wrong with my work….”. :As Sheuly Akter picks up her crutch and starts walking towards the lunchroom, she catches the eye of Khadija, who is also picking up her crutches and then gives Shanu a smile, a new employee who has already started with her crutch to the lunchroom. It is a moment that Sheuly could never have possibly imagined. She is a confident young skilled worker completing her first year of employment as a sewing machine operator in a reputable apparel factory. Her machine has been adjusted so that without problems she can sew the garments as per the requirements. She has not had problems accessing her workplace, since there are no stairs she needs to climb. These adjustments were made by the employer who has seen and learnt to appreciate working with people with disabilities. They are known to be very loyal and remain within the factory for many years.

Question: Can Sheuly do her job? Which are the barriers? What would have happened if the