Medical Model of Disability

A framework that views disability as a problem located within the individual, caused by disease, injury, or health condition, that requires medical intervention or rehabilitation to "fix" the person. Under this model, disabilities are deficits to be cured or managed. The medical model has been criticized by disability rights advocates for focusing on what people cannot do, placing the burden of adaptation on disabled individuals, and ignoring environmental and social barriers. It contrasts with the social model, which locates disability in societal barriers rather than individual impairments.