From Charity to Rights: Evolving Models of Disability

Imagine society as a house.

Now, if our house was designed with one standard door, hallway, and staircase, we might think it’s functional. But what if this house isn’t accessible to everyone, especially those with unique needs?

For too long, society’s “house” was built without everyone in mind. Different models help us rethink and rebuild to include everyone—not just squeeze people into spaces that weren’t built for them.

Let’s look at some key models and approaches towards disability rights.

1. The Charity Model: “Helping the Poor Souls”

The Charity Model is the oldest way of seeing disability. Think of it like looking at a person through a “pity lens”—a perspective where society views people with disabilities as passive, in need of help, and to be pitied. This approach often ends up framing persons with disabilities as dependent and helpless, inadvertently creating barriers.

Tip to Shift the Lens - Rather than only offering help or seeing disability as something tragic, try partnering with people. For example, instead of giving an elderly person a walking stick, maybe there’s an opportunity to redesign public pathways and entrances to be more accessible in the first place.

2. The Medical Model: “Fixing the Body”

This model sees disability as a medical issue to be cured or managed. Picture a repair workshop—society places people in a “fix-it” zone, where the goal is to bring them back to “normal.” While medicine has made life easier for many, this approach sometimes overlooks the person as a whole, focusing on “repair” instead of acceptance.

A New Take - Start thinking about accessibility as adding options, not fixes. Imagine a child with a learning disability in school. Instead of focusing only on intensive therapy to bring them up to “grade level,” let’s invest in different types of resources—like reading software, flexible assignments, and creative group activities—making the classroom an adaptable space for everyone.

3. The Social Model: “It’s Society’s Architecture, Not the Person”

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The Social Model sees disability not as something wrong within a person but as something caused by society’s limitations. Imagine if our house has stairs, but someone uses a wheelchair. Under the Social Model, the issue isn’t the person but the house itself. This perspective helps us identify where society can evolve to be more accessible.

Building Inclusivity in Daily Life - Start small! If you’re organizing a public event, consider how accessible your location is. Add ramps, ensure there’s enough room for mobility devices, and use microphones for those with hearing impairments. By removing physical and social barriers, we create more open and equal spaces for everyone.

4. The Human Rights Model: “Everyone Belongs, Period”

The Human Rights Model is like laying down a firm, unshakable foundation that says: “Everyone belongs here, no conditions.” It’s a powerful stance that emphasises dignity, equality, and respect for all. Here, society focuses not just on accommodating but on ensuring rights are respected—access to education, work, transportation, and more, not as a courtesy but as a right.

Tip for Daily Practice -Think of human rights as the baseline. Imagine a young adult with Down syndrome applying for a job. Instead of looking for special roles, try opening doors to more diverse job options within the organisation. Workplace accommodations—like flexible hours or clear, written instructions—make space for everyone to contribute meaningfully.

5. The Intersectional Model: “Seeing the Whole Person”

The Intersectional Model acknowledges that every person has a mix of identities that impact their life. Imagine this as adding different layers to our house—each layer represents an identity that influences how someone experiences the world. For example, a woman with a disability may face unique challenges compared to a man with the same disability. The Intersectional Model reminds us that people are more than their disability; they’re a blend of gender, race, socio-economic background, and more.

Embrace the Whole Person -When creating policies, consider the variety of experiences people bring. For example, if you’re developing a community program, think about how transportation, cultural sensitivity, and language could affect access. Maybe offer transportation vouchers or multilingual support to ensure everyone feels welcome.

Building Our Inclusive House

Creating a truly inclusive society isn’t just about changing the way we talk; it’s about rebuilding our societal structures to fit everyone’s needs. By moving from charity and pity to rights and acceptance, we help build a world where no one is left outside. The models remind us that disability isn’t a single-story issue—it’s a multi-level experience requiring respect, flexibility, and, most importantly, action.