A Deficit Model of Disability

A Deficit Model of Disability

Now we have considered the many definitions of inclusion, at the beginning of this course, we will consider specifically disability in relation to inclusion, in particular a deficit model of disability. This is a perspective which attributes failures such as lack of achievement, learning, or success in gaining employment to a personal lack of effort or deficiency in the individual, rather than to failures or limitations of the education and training system or to prevalent socio‐economic trends. We can use the word ‘systematic’ here, which means when thinking is embedded in laws and regulations within society. Here it is applied particularly to disability, but we could apply this model to other groups who are perceived ‘not to fit in’. It illustrates the point that underlying philosophies within society shape our values and beliefs and create prejudice and bias.

Watch the video below about two different models of disability, the social model and the medical model.

Then watch the presentation on the deficit perspective of disability and how the medical and social models have influenced legislation around inclusive Education in England.