|
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 introduced a new definition of disability. It defines a disabled person as someone with “a physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.”
The definition is explained in more detail below:
-
Physical impairment includes weakening or adverse change of a part of the body caused through illness, by accident or from birth. Examples are sensory impairments, such as those affecting sight or hearing.
-
Mental impairment is intended to cover a wide range of impairments relating to mental functioning and can include learning disabilities and all recognised mental illnesses
-
A substantial adverse effect does not have to be severe, but is more than minor or trivial
-
A long-term adverse effect is one that has lasted or is likely to last more than 12 months
-
A normal day-to-day activity is, one that is ‘normal’ for most people, and that is carried out on a daily or regular basis. One or more of the following must be affected:
- mobility
- manual dexterity
- physical co-ordination
- continence
- ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects
- speech, hearing or eyesight
- memory or ability to concentrate, learn or understand
- perception of risk of physical danger
The Independent (Medical) and Social Model of Disability
Traditionally there has been an ‘Independent’ or ‘Medical Model’ of disability which views the disabled person as the problem and that people are to be adapted to fit into the world as it is. The emphasis is on dependence and as the model places the cause of disability upon the person’s impairment stereotyping of disability occurs and leads to pity, fear and patronising attitudes. Much of the way in which society is organised and resourced is still based on this model though it is hoped that this will be increasingly based on the Social Model.
In 1976 the Union of Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPAIS) published a short book called the “Fundamental Principles of Disability”. A disabled lecturer was introducing the concepts contained in the Fundamental Principles to a group of Social Workers which was the first use of the Social Model.
The Social Model looks at changing attitudes and removing physical barriers which prevent people with disabilities living their lives encouraging society to be truly inclusive. It completely overturns the Individual (Medical) Model.
In the Social Model disability is defined as ‘the social consequence of having an impairment’ taking the view that even though an individual may have an impairment, the degree to which this is disabling and stopping the individual taking their rightful place in society depends on the man-made barriers and restraints placed upon them.
Examples are that people with hearing impairments are prevented from being involved in discussions because sign language interpreters are not used and people with physical impairments are unable to access buildings because ramps and lifts have not been installed.
Information about Childcare Providers and the Disability Discrimination Act can be found on our SureStart web pages.
Disability Home | Equality and Diversity Home
|