Disability refers to the social effects of physical or mental impairment. This definition, known as the 'social model' of disability, makes a clear distinction between the impairment itself (such as a medical condition that makes a person unable to walk or unable to sit) and the disabling effects of society in relation to that impairment. As Frank Bowe put it in Handicapping America (1978), the real issue is the societal response to disability: if a community allows physical, architectural, transportation, and other barriers to remain in place, society is creating handicaps that oppress individuals with disabilities. If, on the other hand, a community removes those barriers, persons with disabilities can function at much higher levels. In simple terms, it is not the inability to walk or inability to sit that prevents a person entering a building unaided but the existence of stairs or the lack of benches to lie down, that are inaccessible to a wheelchair-user or a person with sitting disability. In other words, 'disability' is socially constructed. The 'social model' is often contrasted with the 'medical model' which sees 'disability' as synonymous with 'impairment.'
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Disability Awareness in the United States - Informs audiences worldwide as to current developments in the United States on the subject.
Meta Description: [ usinfo.state.gov UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE ]
Disable Hotline - Articles, links, and discussions to encourage inclusion and self-advocacy.
Meta Description: [ Free Self-Managed Online Meeting Place
with Message Boards and Chat -- for
Businesses, Associations, Interest Groups, or Family Discussions. Private
or Open. Provided by Delphi Forums ]
MossRehab ResourceNet - Tips on accessible travel, factsheets on specific disabilities, information on the ADA, and disability news.
Meta Description: [ MossRehab ResourceNet provides people who are living with a disability information and resources to improve the activities of their daily living. ]
Paradigm - UK portal for learning disability news, policy, articles, links, and discussion. Information about Paradigm's courses and conferences.
Meta Description: [ International Consultancy, Training and Development agency whose mission is to promote inclusion and person centred approaches for people with learning disabilities, developmental and intellectual difficulties. ]
RRTC Health and Wellness Consortium - The RRTC conducts research studies and training projects to support the health and wellness of persons with disabilities. Find health information and information about assistive technology.
Meta Description: [ This site provides information about the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Health and Wellness for persons with long-term disabilities. This site contains information about disability research and training, and a library of resources for consumers, researchers and policy makers. ]