This element introduces learners to the contrasting medical and social models of disability, exploring how they shape perceptions, care practices, and outc
Topic Synopsis
This element introduces learners to the contrasting medical and social models of disability, exploring how they shape perceptions, care practices, and outcomes. It examines the impact of adopting each model on individuals' autonomy, dignity, and overall wellbeing within health and social care settings.
Key Concepts & Core Principles
- Person-centred care: Tailoring support to the individual's needs, preferences, and values, ensuring they are active partners in their care planning.
- Safeguarding: Protecting vulnerable adults and children from abuse, neglect, and harm, following the 'Adult Safeguarding: Prevention and Protection in Partnership' policy in Northern Ireland.
- Effective communication: Using verbal and non-verbal techniques, active listening, and appropriate language to build trust and rapport with service users, families, and colleagues.
- Equality and diversity: Recognising and respecting differences in culture, religion, disability, age, gender, and sexual orientation, and promoting inclusive practice under the Equality Act 2010 (applies in NI).
- Health and safety: Applying risk assessments, infection control, manual handling, and emergency procedures in line with the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.
Exam Tips & Revision Strategies
- Use clear, concrete examples from care settings to illustrate the differences between the models.
- When discussing impact, always relate back to the individual's wellbeing indicators: dignity, choice, independence, social inclusion.
- Ensure you reference the social model's emphasis on removing barriers rather than 'fixing' the person.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing impairment with disability; assuming disability is solely a medical condition.
- Failing to distinguish between the models, often merging concepts or providing vague explanations.
- Not linking the models to real-life impacts on wellbeing, focusing only on definitions.
Examiner Marking Points
- Award credit for clearly defining both medical and social models with accurate key characteristics.
- Award credit for explaining how the medical model can lead to dependency and disempowerment, and how the social model promotes inclusion.
- Award credit for providing practical examples of how each model influences care delivery and individual outcomes.