The Risk Factors & Right Base Model of Disability

What are the risk factors of disability?
Discuses the right-based model of

disability.
The risk factors of disability:
Disability can arise from a variety of risk factors that interact in complex ways.
Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective interventions and
support systems for individuals with disabilities.
Socioeconomic Status: Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often

face significant barriers, including limited access to healthcare, education, and
employment opportunities. These limitations can increase their risk of developing
disabilities, as they may lack the resources needed for early intervention and
management of health issues.
Health Conditions: Chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and genetic disorders
are significant contributors to the risk of disability. If these conditions are not
managed effectively, they can lead to functional limitations and impair daily activities.
Environmental Factors: The environment plays a critical role in the prevalence and
severity of disabilities. Poor living conditions, a lack of accessibility in public spaces,
and inadequate social services can exacerbate existing health issues and create
additional challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Age: Older adults are particularly vulnerable to disabilities due to the natural aging
process, which often leads to mobility issues, sensory impairments, and cognitive
decline. Age-related conditions can significantly impact independence and quality of
life.
Gender: Gender can influence the risk of disability, with women experiencing higher
rates of certain conditions, particularly those related to reproductive health. Social
and cultural factors may also play a role in how disabilities are experienced and
addressed among different genders.
Cultural and Social Factors: Stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion can
intensify the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. These factors may
deter people from seeking help and support, further isolating them and worsening
their situation.
Education and Awareness: A lack of awareness and education about disability

issues can hinder access to necessary resources and services. Individuals may not
be aware of the support available to them, leading to increased social isolation and
unmet needs.
Recognizing and addressing these risk factors is vital for social workers and
practitioners. By understanding the complexities surrounding disability, they can
develop targeted interventions that promote inclusivity and improve the quality of life
for individuals with disabilities.
The right-based model of disability:
The rights-based model of disability highlights that disability is not an individual or

medical issue but a societal one, shaped by barriers, exclusion and discrimination.
Rather than focusing on "curing" or "fixing" individuals, this approach calls attention
to the role of societal structures in restricting the participation of disabled people. It
emphasizes that the challenges faced by disabled individuals stem from social
practices and environments that marginalize and exclude them, advocating for
systemic changes to promote equal rights and opportunities
Social Model of Disability: At the core of the rights-based model is the social model
of disability, which asserts that the challenges faced by disabled individuals are
largely the result of societal organization. Disabling environments, attitudes and
practices create barriers that restrict opportunities for full participation in society. This
model emphasizes that the issue of disability lies not within the individual but in the
social structures that exclude and marginalize people with disabilities.
Advocacy for Rights: In the rights-based model, people with disabilities are viewed
as having the same rights as others in society. The focus is on equal access to
education, employment, public services and other opportunities. The model opposes
treating disabled individuals as objects of charity and instead advocates for their
recognition as rights-holders entitled to full participation in all aspects of life.
Empowerment and Social Inclusion: Social workers play a critical role in

advancing the rights-based model by promoting social justice, equality, and inclusion
for disabled people. They work to empower individuals by advocating for their rights
and ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for full
participation in society. This involves challenging discriminatory practices and
policies that disadvantage disabled individuals.
A key focus of this model is social inclusion ensuring that disabled individuals are
integrated into all aspects of life, including employment, education and community
activities. Social workers are tasked with actively working to dismantle the systemic
barriers that contribute to exclusion, advocating for a society that is accessible and
welcoming to all.
Key Elements of the Rights-Based Model:
• Equality: The model emphasizes that disabled people should have the same
rights and opportunities as others in society. This includes ensuring access to
education, employment, and social services.
• Accessibility: Removing physical, attitudinal, and systemic barriers is
essential. This involves making public spaces, institutions and services
accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
• Dignity and Respect: The rights-based model promotes the inherent dignity
of all individuals, advocating for respect and the elimination of discriminatory
practices that devalue or marginalize disabled people.
• Legal Protections: An important component of the model is the call for legal
frameworks that protect the rights of disabled people. Laws and policies
should ensure that disabled individuals have enforceable rights in areas such
as employment, education, and access to public services.
The rights-based model of disability shifts the focus from viewing disability as an
individual problem to recognizing it as a societal issue. It highlights the importance of
reforming social structures to promote equality, accessibility, and social justice for
disabled individuals. In this model, social workers play a vital role by advocating for
the rights of disabled people, empowering them to access opportunities, and
challenging the barriers that lead to exclusion. Through their efforts, social workers
help advance the creation of a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

The Risk Factors & Right Base Model of Disability

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Risk Factors & Right Base Model of Disability

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Risk Factors & Right Base Model of Disability

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What are the risk factors of disability?

Discuses the right-based model of

The risk factors of disability:

Socioeconomic Status: Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often

Education and Awareness: A lack of awareness and education about disability

The right-based model of disability:

The rights-based model of disability highlights that disability is not an individual or

Empowerment and Social Inclusion: Social workers play a critical role in

You might also like