Disability models and a diverse workforce

I have long been a subscriber to the view that the Medical, Charity and Social models of disability are all flawed in the employment context, particularly with a view to getting the newly-disabled back into the workplace. These more ‘traditional’ models of disability are being slowly replaced – but are the new models approaching exciting new ground or just labelling the good practice that trained, experienced Occupational Health (OH) nurses and physicians do every day?

The Medical Model

The medical model sees disabled people as ill or sick; as if they were patients. Disabled people must be ‘cured’ or ‘made better.’ The only true experts are medical professionals who explain in general terms how disability ‘limits people.’ They therefore have things done for them, which ultimately leads to disempowerment by those who ‘know best.’

The Charity Model