PAPER-1 INTRODUCTION TO DISABILITY
UNIT- 1.1

In this Unit-
1. Historical Perspective of Disability ( National and International )
2. Models of Disability

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Historical Perspective of Disability ( National and International)

The concept of disability has been present throughout history, although the way it has been understood and perceived has varied greatly depending on the time and culture. This essay will provide an overview of the historical perspectives of disability, from ancient civilizations to the modern era, highlighting the changes and continuities in the ways in which people with disabilities have been treated and viewed by society.

1. Ancient Civilizations: In ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome, disability was often associated with divine punishment or moral failure. For example, in Greek mythology, blindness was seen as a curse from the gods. People with disabilities were often marginalized and excluded from society, and were often viewed as inferior or even dangerous. In some cases, people with disabilities were abandoned or left to die, particularly if they were born with a visible physical deformity.

2. Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, the perception of disability shifted somewhat. Disability was seen as a test of faith, and people with disabilities were often revered as saints or holy figures. However, this view was often accompanied by a belief in the supernatural or magical powers of people with disabilities, and they were often exploited for their perceived abilities. For example, people with dwarfism were often employed as jesters or court entertainers.

3. Renaissance: The Renaissance brought about a new era of humanism and a shift towards a more rational and scientific understanding of disability. Physicians and scientists began to study disability and its causes, and new technologies such as eyeglasses and hearing aids were developed to help people with sensory impairments. However, despite these advances, people with disabilities continued to be stigmatized and excluded from mainstream society.

4. Enlightenment: The Enlightenment marked a major shift in attitudes towards disability. The idea of the "social contract" emerged, which held that all individuals had inherent rights and freedoms that could not be taken away by the state or society. This idea paved the way for the modern concept of disability rights, and led to the development of institutions and organizations that aimed to support and empower people with disabilities.

5. Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in the lives of people with disabilities. New technologies and innovations such as steam power and electricity created new employment opportunities for people with physical disabilities, while the growth of urban centers led to the development of specialized institutions for people with mental disabilities. However, many of these institutions were poorly run and provided inadequate care, leading to widespread abuse and neglect of people with disabilities.

National perspective of Disability-

1. Disability is a concept that has evolved over time and has been viewed differently across various historical periods and cultures.

2. In ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome, people with disabilities were often segregated or abandoned, and sometimes even killed.

3. In the Middle Ages, people with disabilities were often viewed as possessed by demons or witches and were subjected to exorcisms or other forms of torture.

4. During the Renaissance, there was a shift towards a more medical understanding of disability, with physicians and scientists studying and categorizing different types of disabilities.

5. The Enlightenment period saw the emergence of ideas around human rights and the value of individual dignity, which led to the recognition of the rights of people with disabilities.

6. The 19th century saw the establishment of institutions for people with disabilities, which were often characterized by neglect, abuse, and exploitation.

7. In the early 20th century, the eugenics movement gained popularity, and people with disabilities were targeted for forced sterilization and even extermination.

8. The disability rights movement emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, with activists demanding equal rights, access to education, employment, and public spaces, and an end to discrimination and stigmatization.

International perspectives on Disability-

1. Definitions of disability vary: There is no one agreed-upon definition of disability across countries and cultures. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) defines disability as "an evolving concept" that results from the interaction between impairments, environmental and attitudinal barriers, and personal factors. However, definitions of disability can vary depending on cultural, social, and political factors.

2. Disability is a global issue: Disability affects people all over the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over one billion people with disabilities globally, and this number is expected to increase as populations age and non-communicable diseases become more prevalent.

3. Disability is a human rights issue: The UNCRPD recognizes that people with disabilities have the same human rights as everyone else and that these rights must be protected. This includes the right to education, employment, healthcare, and participation in society. International organizations such as the WHO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have also developed policies and guidelines to promote the rights of people with disabilities.

MODELS OF DISABILITY-

Models of disability are ways of understanding and representing disability. They shape the way people with disabilities are perceived, treated, and included in society. The following are the different models of disability:

1. Medical Model:

The medical model of disability views disability as a medical problem that needs to be fixed or cured. According to this model, disability is caused by an impairment or a medical condition that needs to be treated, managed, or cured by medical professionals. This model is focused on the individual’s impairment rather than on the environment or the society. The medical model has been criticized for pathologizing disability and for ignoring the social and environmental barriers that contribute to the exclusion of people with disabilities.

2. Social Model:

The social model of disability views disability as a socially constructed problem that arises from the interaction between the individual and the environment. According to this model, disability is not an inherent characteristic of the individual, but rather a result of the barriers and obstacles in the social and physical environment that prevent full participation and inclusion of people with disabilities. The social model emphasizes the need to remove barriers and create a more inclusive society.

3. Biopsychosocial Model:

The biopsychosocial model of disability views disability as a complex interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors. According to this model, disability is not just a medical problem or a social problem, but a combination of both. The biopsychosocial model emphasizes the need to address the biological, psychological, and social aspects of disability to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

4. Disability Rights Model:

The disability rights model of disability views disability as a human rights issue. According to this model, people with disabilities are entitled to the same human rights and freedoms as everyone else. The disability rights model emphasizes the need to remove discrimination and promote equal rights, opportunities, and access to services for people with disabilities.

5. Cultural model:

The cultural model of disability is a perspective that views disability as a cultural identity, rather than a medical condition or individual problem. This model emphasizes that people with disabilities have their own unique language, history, and traditions, and that disability should be celebrated rather than stigmatized.

The cultural model of disability recognizes that people with disabilities have a shared experience of discrimination and exclusion, and that they have developed their own culture and sense of community as a result. This culture includes shared values, beliefs, and practices, as well as a shared history of oppression and resistance.

This model emphasizes the importance of disability pride and the need to challenge the negative stereotypes and attitudes that are often associated with disability. It also recognizes the diversity within the disability community, including differences in language, culture, and identity.

Overall, the cultural model of disability emphasizes the importance of understanding disability as a cultural identity and promoting acceptance and inclusion for people with disabilities.