Image from the Social Model of Disability: http://ddsg.org.uk/taxi/social-model.html
Social Model of Disability
"The social model of disability says that disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. It looks at ways of removing barriers that restrict life choices for disabled people. When barriers are removed, disabled people can be independent and equal in society, with choice and control over their own lives" (Scope about Disability, 2016). The social model of disability was created as the medical model does not explain people with disabilities personal experiences and ways that help develop more inclusive ways of living.
Journal Article
“Mainstream education for children with intellectual disabilities: a moral right”
In the past 2 or 3 decades there has been a large debate regarding the idea of placing students with an intellectual disability into mainstream schooling but whether or not they will fit in ‘socially’ within the schooling environment. The social model of disability focuses on the idea that placing a student in a mainstream classroom environment could be a confronting thing for them as they can be seen to be “different or stand out” but most importantly will they be accepted in that particular school environment. Recent research into the social model conducted by Dr Coral Kemp suggest that all students should have a right to learn no matter what their circumstance is. The teachers should provide a classroom that caters for the needs of mainstream and disability schooling and encourage all students in the class to include each individual who may need extra help regarding of their intellectual circumstances. Kemp strongly believes that all students learn best in the classroom when they are included and accepted for being their own unique individual (Crawford, F.p.21.). Teachers need to make a conscious effort to make sure that no student is left out which can make a huge set back on the way they perform their class work. Allowing children with a disability to equally participate in all aspects of the classroom environment will teach other students to let them fit in and be a part of the small classroom community. Kemp has a strong belief that Small implementations can be used to make a much more productive classroom environment. Things such as putting visual PowerPoints on the blackboard when explain instructions this way students can visually see what they are meant to be completing. Another technique could be writing on the board at the start of each day the lessons for the day so students have a chance to understand what they will be doing for the day. Getting a student organised early will refrain them from becoming frustrated and confused before completing their work. Most importantly a child with a disability does not need to feel like they are different from others socially. They should have the right to be included in all activities in the classroom and teachers and students need to learn and understand the ways in which students learn. If a student cannot speak properly, they need to understand that there are many other forms of communication not just speaking.
The social model of Disability is something that will be constantly addressed and worked on. Children with disabilities have an equal right to all social aspects of life whether its schooling environments or sporting groups. The social model allows us to understand the ways to socially include students with different needs to be included and accepted in life.
In the past 2 or 3 decades there has been a large debate regarding the idea of placing students with an intellectual disability into mainstream schooling but whether or not they will fit in ‘socially’ within the schooling environment. The social model of disability focuses on the idea that placing a student in a mainstream classroom environment could be a confronting thing for them as they can be seen to be “different or stand out” but most importantly will they be accepted in that particular school environment. Recent research into the social model conducted by Dr Coral Kemp suggest that all students should have a right to learn no matter what their circumstance is. The teachers should provide a classroom that caters for the needs of mainstream and disability schooling and encourage all students in the class to include each individual who may need extra help regarding of their intellectual circumstances. Kemp strongly believes that all students learn best in the classroom when they are included and accepted for being their own unique individual (Crawford, F.p.21.). Teachers need to make a conscious effort to make sure that no student is left out which can make a huge set back on the way they perform their class work. Allowing children with a disability to equally participate in all aspects of the classroom environment will teach other students to let them fit in and be a part of the small classroom community. Kemp has a strong belief that Small implementations can be used to make a much more productive classroom environment. Things such as putting visual PowerPoints on the blackboard when explain instructions this way students can visually see what they are meant to be completing. Another technique could be writing on the board at the start of each day the lessons for the day so students have a chance to understand what they will be doing for the day. Getting a student organised early will refrain them from becoming frustrated and confused before completing their work. Most importantly a child with a disability does not need to feel like they are different from others socially. They should have the right to be included in all activities in the classroom and teachers and students need to learn and understand the ways in which students learn. If a student cannot speak properly, they need to understand that there are many other forms of communication not just speaking.
The social model of Disability is something that will be constantly addressed and worked on. Children with disabilities have an equal right to all social aspects of life whether its schooling environments or sporting groups. The social model allows us to understand the ways to socially include students with different needs to be included and accepted in life.
Social Model of Disability in the Classroom
The social model of disability works to remove different barriers that prevent students with disabilities from learning. Some schools have already made changes to make classrooms accessible for all, and other schools are still to make the changes.
Example of Barriers in the Classroom
- Buildings aren't build so disabled people can't get in.
- Information is produced in ways that disabled people can't use.
- Attitudes and stereotypes about disabled people prevent us from having the same opportunities as non-disabled people.
- Special services are created that keep us segregated and cut off from everyone else.
Ways to overcome barriers in the Classroom
- Create accessible buildings.
- Producing information in accessible format.
- Challenging stereotypes and assumptions.
- Ending segregated services.
- Disable people doing things for themselves.
- Allowing disabled people to have full civil rights under the law.
Image from: http://www.daii.org/about/social_model_of_disability/