Definitions

Section: Key Definitions

  • Disability - This term refers to any continuing condition that restricts everyday activities. It can include physical, intellectual, sensory, or psychiatric disabilities.

  • Impairment - This refers to the loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis.

  • Inclusion - This concept promotes the equal participation and involvement of all individuals in society. This includes people with disabilities who should not be excluded based on their disabilities.

  • Discrimination - This refers to the unfair or prejudiced treatment of categories of individuals or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex or in this case - disability.

  • Equality Act 2010 - It is a law in the UK that protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. It replaced and consolidated previous laws and covers disabilities among other types of discrimination.

  • Medical Model - A perspective that views disabilities as a problem possessed by the individual and not a social issue. According to this model, disability requires medical intervention to correct the “problem”.

  • Social Model - This perspective observes disability as a societal issue. It sees the barriers put up by society (capitalist or prejudiced), including negative attitudes towards disability, as the main source of disadvantage to disabled people.

  • Reasonable Adjustments - This concept refers to any changes made at the workplace, in education or other settings that ensures people with disabilities are not treated unfairly. For instance, providing ramps for wheelchair users.

  • Independent Living - Refers to ensuring disabled people have the chance to live their life as independently as possible, with choice and control over their life.

  • Person-centred Approach - This approach is about focusing on the individual’s unique needs and preferences to enable them to live an independent life and promotes the value of everyone.

Section: Practices Approach

  • Holistic Approach - This approach looks at the person as a whole, considering their physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

  • Rights-Based Approach - This approach is based on the principles of human rights, and it seeks to ensure that disabled people enjoy the same rights as everyone else in society.

  • Empowerment - This refers to enabling disabled people to take control of their lives and make informed decisions about their care.