Atypical Development: Understanding Disability

Definitions and Models

• Older Definition of Disability (WHO 1980):

  • Restrictions or lack resulting from an impairment to perform activities considered normal.
  • Impairment defined as any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical function.

• Recent WHO View on Disability:

  • Interaction between individuals with health conditions and personal/environmental factors.
  • Inaccessible environments create barriers hindering full participation in society.
  • Emphasis on social participation by addressing barriers.

Models of Disability

• Medical Model:

  • Disability equated with illness; seen as negative requiring treatment.

• Social Model:

  • Disabilities are socially caused; society creates barriers through stereotypes and physical/social barriers.
  • Example of physical barrier: Inaccessible buildings for wheelchair users.
  • Example of social barrier: Assumptions about capabilities of disabled individuals.

• Affirmation Model (Swain and French 2000):

  • Disability viewed as a positive form of human diversity.
  • Celebrates disability culture with unique values and activities.

Attitudes Towards Disability

• Surveys (National Disability Authority 2001-2017):
  • Examined public attitudes, showing varied support for social inclusion, employment, and relationships for disabled individuals.
  • Notable increases in support for inclusive education and relationships.

Stereotypes and Disability

• Stereotypes:

  • Assign limited characteristics to all members of a group; dangerous when applied to individuals.
  • Lead to communication barriers, prejudiced behavior, racism, sexism, and violence.

• Stigma:

  • Destructive beliefs leading to discrimination.
  • Stigma involves labeling, associating with deviance, and unfair discrimination.

• Factors Influencing Stigma:

  • Visibility, controllability, and perceived dangerousness of a condition.

Goffman's Theory (1963)

• Discredited vs. Discreditable Disabilities:

  • Discreditable: Not immediately apparent and can avoid stigma.
  • Discredited: Visibly apparent and immediately stigmatized.

• Courtesy Stigma:

  • Families of stigmatized individuals may face similar avoidance or ridicule.
  • Use of impression management by families to conceal noticeable characteristics.

Sources

• Various academic and governmental sources including WHO definitions, National Disability Authority reports, and studies on stereotypes and media representation.
• Recommended readings available on Canvas and in the library include works on psychology and childhood disability.