Introduction to Disability Awareness

Know the difference between the terms disability and impairment.

Disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses or activities.Impairment is defined as an injury, illness or congenital condition that causes a loss or difference of physiological or psychological function

Conditions that cause disability may include:

• arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems
• back pain
• heart disease and stroke
• cancer
• depression
• diabetes
• obesity 
• learning (reduced intellectual ability)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Eyesight issues e.g. blind or partially sighted
• Hearing issues e.g deaf

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  Identify what disability means.

• 1.2

  Outline conditions which cause disability.

• 1.3

  Identify what impairment means.

Know how key legislation protects people who have a disability.

Key legislation may include:

• Equality Act 2010
• United Nations (UN) Convention on Disability Rights
• Care Act 2014
• Children and Families Act 2014

The rights of disabled people may include:

• the right to be protected from discrimination
• the right to employment, education
• ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the workplace
• ‘reasonable adjustments’ in place of study

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  List current disability related legislation.

• 2.2

  Outline the rights of disabled people in line with current disability related legislation.

Understand attitudes and barriers faced by people who have a disability.

Types of difficulties faced by disabled people may include:

• social and financial issues - may not be able to get out without assistance, accessibility to facilities, not in employment
• negative attitudes - verbal and physical abuse, individuals not willing to help
• physical barriers - accessing buildings, managing pavements, reaching counters
• institutional barriers - accessing courses

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Outline the types of difficulties faced by disabled people including: 

  1. social and financial issues
  2. negative attitudes
  3. physical barriers
  4. institutional barriers

Understand the social model of disability and how it is put into practice.

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 removing barriers to ensure independence, quality of life and equality.

The medical model implies that people are disabled by their impairment and therefore need to be changed by medical or other treatments. The medical model looks at what is wrong with people rather than what the person needs. It creates low expectations and leads to loss of independence. (Scope about disability).

Language associated with the social model may include:

• adapting
• providing support
• accessibility
• independence
• provision of tools and equipment

Using the social model in practice includes:

• getting the person involved in decision making and problem solving
• asking their opinions
• providing appropriate support, equipment, aids

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1

  Identify what is meant by the ‘social model’ of disability.

• 4.2

  Describe key differences between the ‘medical model’ of disability and the ‘social model’ of disability.

• 4.3

  Outline the reasons why the social model focuses on ‘disability’ and not ‘impairment’.

• 4.4

  Outline the type of ‘language’ used when applying the social model.

• 4.5

  Explain how the social model of disability can be used in practice.