CHAPTER II

Objectives
1. Identify the different models of disability
2. Discuss the different perspectives and
definition of special needs education;
3. Explain the importance of special and
inclusive education;
4. Discuss and demonstrate an understanding
of the philosophy, principles, theories, goals
and policies that pertain to the development of
educational programs for students with special
needs;
5. Demonstrate reflective thinking and
professional self-direction.
Models of Disability
 toolsfor defining impairment
provide a basis upon which
government and society can devise
strategies for meeting the needs of
disabled people
useful framework in which to gain an
understanding of disability issues, and
also of the perspective held by those
creating and applying the models.
MODELS OF DISABILTY
 Smart's study in 2004 (as cited in Retief and
Letsosa, 2018) emphasizes that models of
disability are important as they serve several
purposes:
(1) they provide definitions of disability,
 (2) they offer "explanations of causal and
responsibility attributions",
(3) they are based on "perceived needs,"
(4) they inform policy

MODELS OF DISABILTY
Smart's study in 2004 (as cited in Retief and
Letsosa, 2018) emphasizes that models of disability
are important as they serve several purposes:
( (5) they are not "value-neutral,"
(6) they define the academic disciplines that focus
on disability,
(7) they "shape the self-identity of PWDs," and
(8) they can provide insight on how prejudices and
discriminations occur.
The Moral/Religious Model
 sees disability as either a blessing or a curse. It is
characterized by notions of charity and caretaking.
 Jackson (2018) adds that it is a protection which
primary concern is an instinct to protect both the
persons with disabilities for their vulnerability and
the economic and social order which might be
disrupted by "deviant members" of society.
It is considered the oldest model of disability and is
evident in many religious traditions.
The Moral/Religious Model
disability is equated with the sin,
evilness, or spiritual ineptness of either
the PWD or of a PWD's family member.
This belief can then cause not just the
PWD's isolation but also the exclusion of
the entire family unit from communal
events (Rimmerman 2013 as cited in
Retief and Letsosa 2018).
The Moral/Religious Model
The core response to this model was the
establishing of segregated institutions where
PWDs could be kept.
Example, In the United States, United Kingdom,
and Australia, asylums for the "mentally ill,
retardates, degenerates, and defectives" were
built . Segregated residential schools and
workhouses with dormitories located miles
away from town centers were also erected.
The Biomedical/Individual Model
PWDs are seen as persons who are ill and meant to be
treated or "made more normal." Olkin (1999 as cited in
Retief & Letsosa 2018)
Disability is seen as a medical problem that resides in the
individual. It is a defect in or failure of a bodily system and
as such, is inherently abnormal and pathological. The goals
of intervention are cure, amelioration of the physical
condition to the greatest extent possible, and rehabilitation
(i.e., the adjustment of the person with the disability to the
condition and to the environment).
 Persons with disabilities are expected to avail themselves
of the variety of services offered to them
The Biomedical/Individual Model

considers disability as a "glitch" the PWD is born

into, which needs assessment and fixing.
It also reinforces the notion that those "without
disabilities" (1.e, the able-bodied or typically
developing) are superior than those with
disabilities, and that they have a primary
responsibility over the welfare of the disabled. Most
interventions are thus devoted to making sure that
the PWD catches up with his or her peers-a practice
that is very much ingrained in society to this day.
The Functional/Rehabilitation Model

The functional/rehabilitation model is

quite similar to the biomedical model in
that it sees the PWD as having deficits.
These deficits then justify the need to
undergo rehabilitative intervention such
as therapies, counseling, and the like in
the aim of reintegrating the disabled into
society.
Difference between Biomedical and
Rehabilitation Model
Biomedical Model Rehabilitation Model
refers to help given refers to the
to those whose assistance given by
disabilities are professionals to
congenital or those who have an
manifested very acquired disability in
early in life in order the hope of gaining
to maximize function back one's
functionality
The biomedical and rehabilitative models,
together with the dawn of clinic-based
assessments in the 1950s and its proliferation
during the 1960s onward, show how much
society has placed value on convention,
performance, and achievement. Anyone
whose performance does not fall within the
norm of a population is automatically
deemed different and deficient
The Social Model
Clough & Corbett 2000) points out that the
social (sociological) model became
society's reaction to how the biomedical
perspective viewed disability.
Disability occurs as a result of society's lack of
understanding of individual differences.
PWDs are seen as disabled not because they
are deficient but because Society "insists" they
are deficient and disadvantaged. Norms, after
all, are determined by society.
The underlying principle of the social model
of disability is that disability is a social
construct, where standards and limitations
that society places on specific groups of
people are what disable a person.
The Social Model
The World Health Organization (1980) differentiates
between disability and impairment.
Impairment is seen as "any loss or abnormality of
psychological or anatomical structure or function"
Disability refers to any restriction or lack (resulting from an
impairment) of ability to perform an activity in the manner
or within the range considered normal for a human being".
The social model
The social model, reiterates that impairment should be
seen as a normal aspect of life and when it happens, it
should not cause a stir. Instead, society must plan in
anticipation of possible impairment occurrences so as not
to disable anyone. Kaplan (2000) agrees that if disability
were to be seen as something natural and expected, it
could change the way we design our systems and our
environments. Wendell (1996 as cited in Kaplan 2000: 356)
Rights-Based

Model and Twin Track Approach
The rights-based model of disability is a framework that
bears similarities with the social model. Although most
practitioners see the two one and the same
Social Model Rights-Based Model
the social model reiterates social the rights-based model "moves
factors and dynamics that form our beyond explanation, offering a
perceptions of disability theoretical framework for
disability policy that emphasizes
the human dignity of PWDs"
the social model is mostly critical the rights-based model
of public health policies that recognizes the fact that properly
advocate the prevention of formulated prevention policy may
impairment be regarded as an instance of
human rights protection for PWDs"
Rights-Based Model
A rights-based approach to education ensures that all
energies are devoted to the realization of each learner's
right to education. It is built on the principle that education
is a basic human right and therefore all must have access to
it.
There are four key actors directly involved this model:
(1) the government as duty-bearers,
(2) the child as the rights-holder,
(3) the parents not only as duty-bearers but also as
representatives of the child, and
(4) the teachers, both as rights-holders and duty-bearers (Van
den Brule- Balescut & Sandkull 2005).
Rights-Based Model and Twin Track Approach
Practitioners now promote a twin track
approach, which combines the social model
and the rights-based model. A marrying of the
two perspectives allows for holistic changes to
occur, with the option of promoting individual
needs whenever necessary.
Models of Disability
The moral /religious Disability as an act of God
model

The medical model Disability as a disease

The Disability as an impairment or

Functional/Rehabilitati deficit
on Model
The social model Disability as a socially
constructed phenomenon

The human rights model Disability as a human rights

issue