Social Model of Disability:
Understanding the Social Model of Disability
“It’s not our impairments that disable us – it’s the barriers we face in society.”
What is the Social Model of Disability?
The Social Model of Disability is a way of understanding disability that focuses on removing barriers, not “fixing” people.
It recognises that people are disabled by the way society is organised — not by their medical condition, diagnosis, or impairment or by assuming that disabled people are limited in what they can do.
So, what are these barriers?
Barriers can take many forms:
- Physical – steps without ramps, no accessible toilets, small print
- Attitudinal – stereotypes, stigma, or assumptions
- Organisational – inflexible systems or services not designed to be inclusive
How is this different from the Medical Model?
The Medical Model sees disability as a personal problem hence being disabled by their impairments or conditions — something to be treated, cured, or managed.
In contrast, the Social Model shifts the focus onto society. It says:
“People are disabled by barriers, not by their bodies or minds.”
Why does it matter?
Understanding and using the Social Model:
- Encourages inclusion and equality
- Promotes access for all
- Helps challenge discrimination and stigma
- Empowers disabled people to lead change
Real Example
A wheelchair user can’t get into a building.
- Medical Model says: It’s because they can’t walk.
- Social Model says: It’s because there’s no ramp — the environment is the problem.
What can we do?
- Design spaces that are accessible to everyone
- Challenge assumptions and stereotypes
- Involve disabled people in decision-making
- Make reasonable adjustments where needed
The Social Model of Disability helps us see disability differently — not as something that’s “wrong” with a person, but as something society can fix by being more inclusive.
When we remove barriers, we include everyone.
Legacy in the Community is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), first registered with the Charity Commission in November 2021. We are a team of passionate individuals, based in Merthyr Tydfil, who have lived experience of disabilities and work with people who identify with disabilities to break down barriers in our communities. We work throughout Wales with our various partners to make these changes.
We are funded by the Welsh Government Sustainable Social Services Grant to deliver the ‘Working on Wellbeing Wales Project’. We deliver employability support through our Starting Line project to individuals who identify with disabilities or long-term health conditions in Powys and Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion. We also promote the UK Government ‘Disability Confident Scheme’ to employers and organisations throughout Wales.
If you need advice about employment and disability, please contact us. Interested in holding an employment event? We can assist you with organisation and provide appropriate information. We also offer help and advice on beginning your journey to become a Disability Confident Employer. These are just a few of the many areas we cover! If we are unable to support you, we're happy to signpost you to our partners throughout Wales.
Need some assistance?
Contact our friendly and knowledgeable team:
Call: 01685 709 549
Email: [email protected]
