Which model emphasizes that activities are limited by the environment rather than the impairment?

Which model emphasizes that activities are limited by the environment rather than the impairment?

• A. Medical model defines disability as a health condition.
• B. Social model emphasizes that activities are limited by environment rather than impairment.
• C. Functional model attributes disability to deficits that limit functioning.
• D. Economic model defines disability as loss of productivity.

Answer: (B)

Disability is shaped by the interplay between a person and their surroundings, not just by an individual’s impairment. The social model highlights that activities are limited by environmental barriers—things like inaccessible buildings, transportation, policies, and attitudes—that prevent participation even when a person’s abilities are intact. By removing or reducing these barriers, participation can improve irrespective of the health condition. This contrasts with the medical model, which locates disability in the health condition itself and focuses on treatment or cure; the functional model, which centers on deficits in functioning without enough emphasis on environment; and the economic model, which links disability to reduced productivity. The emphasis on environment rather than impairment is what makes the social model the best fit here.

Disability is shaped by the interplay between a person and their surroundings, not just by an individual’s impairment. The social model highlights that activities are limited by environmental barriers—things like inaccessible buildings, transportation, policies, and attitudes—that prevent participation even when a person’s abilities are intact. By removing or reducing these barriers, participation can improve irrespective of the health condition.

This contrasts with the medical model, which locates disability in the health condition itself and focuses on treatment or cure; the functional model, which centers on deficits in functioning without enough emphasis on environment; and the economic model, which links disability to reduced productivity. The emphasis on environment rather than impairment is what makes the social model the best fit here.