13. Disability & Identity

• What is the definition of disability?

  Physical or mental impairment that limits a person’s movements, senses, feelings, or activities
• What is an example of a condition that results in a person needing a wheelchair?

  Paraplegia
• What is a mental health condition characterized by a loss of touch with reality?

  Schizophrenia
• How does the medical model view disability?

  As a psychological or biological problem focusing on limitations caused by the impairment
• What mentality does the medical model lead to regarding disabled individuals?

  A ‘victim-blaming mentality’ where the problem lies with the individual
• What is the goal of curing or treating disabilities according to the medical model?

  To improve quality of life and reduce suffering
• How does the social model perceive disability?

  As a societal problem with barriers to inclusion
• What does the social model suggest is the disabling factor?

  Society itself
• What can largely solve the suffering caused by disabilities according to the social model?

  Changing society through laws, buildings, and attitudes
• What major obstacles does Tom Shakespeare identify in forming a positive disabled identity?

  Stereotypes, isolation, and lack of positive role models
• How do stereotypes affect disabled individuals according to Tom Shakespeare?

  They exist to make able-bodied people feel good about themselves
• What does the term "master status" refer to in the context of disability?

  The label "disabled" overrides all other aspects of identity
• What does Erving Goffman describe stigma as?

  A phenomenon where society disapproves of individuals due to certain characteristics
• How does negative labeling affect interactions with disabled individuals?

  It creates a "master-status" that influences all interactions
• What does Gill (1991) say about reconciling identity as a disabled person?

  It is a common hurdle to overcome fear or pity for oneself
• What does Zola (1982) argue about the vocabulary used to describe disability?

  It is borrowed from a discriminatory, able-bodied society
• What alternative term do some campaigners prefer instead of "disabled"?

  "Differently-able"
• How does the media typically represent disability according to Barnes (1992)?

  With oppressive and negative stereotypes
• What stereotype is commonly associated with disabled individuals in media representations?

  They are often portrayed as victims needing charity
• What does Murugami (2009) suggest about self-identity for disabled individuals?

  They can construct a self-identity that accepts impairment but is independent of it
• What legal protections were established by the Disability Discrimination Act (1995)?

  It provided legal protection and enforceable rights to disabled people
• What does the Equality Act (2010) require from employers and public places?

  To make "reasonable adjustments" for disabled individuals
• What percentage of disabled people feel they are treated differently because of their disability?

  62%
• What is the aim of the campaign mentioned in the study material regarding disability?

  To break the awkwardness people feel about disability and raise awareness
• How does the charity aim to educate people about disabilities?

  By using a light-hearted approach to raise awareness without assigning blame
• What are the key differences between the medical model and social model of disability?

  **Medical Model:**

  • Views disability as a psychological or biological problem
  • Focuses on limitations of the individual
  • Leads to victim-blaming mentality

  
  

  **Social Model:**

  • Views disability as a societal problem
  • Identifies social and physical barriers to inclusion
  • Suggests that changing society can alleviate suffering
• What are the negative stereotypes associated with disabled individuals in media representations?

  • Portrayed as victims needing charity
  • Often killed off in movies
  • Depicted as villains or monsters
  • Seen as burdens rather than individuals
  • Represented as sexually abnormal
• How has the perception of disability as an identity changed over time?

  • Shift towards "Person First" identity
  • Emphasis on abilities rather than disabilities
  • Legal changes providing rights and protections
  • Increased awareness and representation in media