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( Recap, context and introduction )
For those who may not be clear on what I mean by "medical model of disabily," some definitions. The "medical model" of disability focuses on the physical condition (and in mental disabilities, the physical condition of the brain), and assumes that to improve the quality of life for someone with a disability, you must medically cure their condition. The "Social model" of disability focuses on the society at large creates a disability out of a physical difference by the errection of physical barriers and social attitudes (A doctor following the medical model would say that I'm limited in my ability to hold down a job because I can't walk into the job site. An activist following the social model of disability would say that I'm limited in my ability to hold down a job because so few job sites have ramps to the front door, and HR directors who are willing to hire someone with "Special needs"). In terms of cultural shorthand, Britain tends to work around the Social Model of Disability (which is why their Disablity Rights law is titled the "Disability Discrimination Act"), and America is focused on the Medical Model (we have the "Americans with Disabilities Act" -- the fact of our disabilities is placed with the individual).
My immediate response to the Social Model is mostly agreement: take away the physical and bureaucratic barriers that are woven into the structure of society and my disability mostly disappears (but no matter how accessible the world at large may be, there will still be nights, when on my own, in my own home, I will have trouble getting my feet under me in order to climb into bed).
But that whole question is something of a non-sequitor. I don't really care if I can move through my life as easily as everybody else can move through theirs (whoever "everybody else" is).
Just Stop Shaming Me Over What is Difficult. Stop demanding proof that I deserve to bask in your company, and breathe your air, or, worse, deciding off the bat that I do not, before even considering the evidence.
( Rambles over Lexicology, religion, and the medical-industrial-complex; I may show glimpses of angered atheism )
*Please don't argue this point, and say: "But we love you! You're welcome in my house!"
For those who may not be clear on what I mean by "medical model of disabily," some definitions. The "medical model" of disability focuses on the physical condition (and in mental disabilities, the physical condition of the brain), and assumes that to improve the quality of life for someone with a disability, you must medically cure their condition. The "Social model" of disability focuses on the society at large creates a disability out of a physical difference by the errection of physical barriers and social attitudes (A doctor following the medical model would say that I'm limited in my ability to hold down a job because I can't walk into the job site. An activist following the social model of disability would say that I'm limited in my ability to hold down a job because so few job sites have ramps to the front door, and HR directors who are willing to hire someone with "Special needs"). In terms of cultural shorthand, Britain tends to work around the Social Model of Disability (which is why their Disablity Rights law is titled the "Disability Discrimination Act"), and America is focused on the Medical Model (we have the "Americans with Disabilities Act" -- the fact of our disabilities is placed with the individual).
My immediate response to the Social Model is mostly agreement: take away the physical and bureaucratic barriers that are woven into the structure of society and my disability mostly disappears (but no matter how accessible the world at large may be, there will still be nights, when on my own, in my own home, I will have trouble getting my feet under me in order to climb into bed).
But that whole question is something of a non-sequitor. I don't really care if I can move through my life as easily as everybody else can move through theirs (whoever "everybody else" is).
Just Stop Shaming Me Over What is Difficult. Stop demanding proof that I deserve to bask in your company, and breathe your air, or, worse, deciding off the bat that I do not, before even considering the evidence.
( Rambles over Lexicology, religion, and the medical-industrial-complex; I may show glimpses of angered atheism )
*Please don't argue this point, and say: "But we love you! You're welcome in my house!"
