On an international level, disability issues have become prevalent on the agendas of NGOs and UN agencies. Theoretical models of disability provide a social reference for laws and policies designed for disabled people[1]. At present, two models are predominant in the international arena: the medical and the social model. While previous policies were rooted in a medical approach, current programs addressing disability issues use a community-focused perspective based on the social model of disability. These two approaches will be discussed more at large in this chapter.

The medical model (or ‘individual model’) stems from positivist science: it defines ‘normality’ as opposed to any form of pathology that limits an individual’s identity to that of an invalid. Some visible results of labeling are low self-esteem and underachievement of the disabled person and dependency and exclusion from the community life. Although the model reifies human beings as simple agents needing treatment, it justly takes into account the limiting effects of disability.

The social model has been devised by disabled people who perceived disability as a socially built identity. This model stresses the uniqueness of every individual and incorporates the disabled into society by valuing difference in diversity. Here, the needs of the person are stressed. Impairments are addressed in their social context, i.e. exploitation of labor or child abuse. The aim is to bring about positive social change by restructuring society: institutional discrimination, built into the structure of society through prejudices and stereotypes, can be eradicated by equalizing opportunities. It is important to note that this approach overlooks the disabling effect of impairments and the cultural variations that define community life and political activism throughout the world.[2]

Table 1. The Medical Model and the Social Model of Disability

Figure 1. The Medical and Social Model Thinking

Figure 1. Effects of medical model thinking.

Figure 2. Problems as perceived by ’social model’ thinking.

Source: British Film Institute. ‘Medical model’ vs. ’social model’.

http://www.bfi.org.uk/education/teaching/disability/thinking/medical.html

Following the social model of disability, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines disability as “the outcome of a complex relationship between an individual’s health condition and personal factors, and of the external factors that represent the circumstances in which the individual lives.”

According to the same institution, impairments represent “problems in body function or structure such as significant deviation or loss.”[3]

In the same vein, disablism represents the social effect of equating disability with disempowerment. Disablism could be seen as the process through which society ignores people with impairments. This produces a “false notion of normality”, which in turn creates pressure to conform to standards and segregates those labeled as abnormal.[4]

2. The Legal Framework of Disability

General standards and regulations also provide an important framework for the redefinition of disability policies. The United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1982-1992) had a broad impact on the implementation of new projects through the shift to a new social paradigm. Even if stereotypes, discrimination, and marginalization have not been completely eradicated in Jordan, they are becoming gradually less frequent than they were twenty years ago.

Current disability policies are shaped by the provisions stipulated in the following normative documents:

The UN Standard Rules on Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, adopted in 1992 based on the World Program of Action, are a fundamental instrument for policy-making and international cooperation. The 22 rules contain provisions for equalizing participation, target areas for equal participation, implementation measures, and monitoring mechanisms. The act appoints a Special Rapporteur to monitor the implementation of the Rules.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability was ratified on May 3^rd 2008. One of the fastest treaties to be negotiated at the United Nations[5], this convention promotes equal rights and international cooperation, especially in developing countries. It further stipulates that the handicapped should be included in decision-making processes; special protection and assistance should be given to women, girls, children, and families with disabled members. States should facilitate accessibility to the physical and social environment, to information and communication, to health, education, and work experience on the open labor market.

http://www.open.ac.uk/inclusiveteaching/pages/understanding-and-awareness/models-of-disability.php

[2] Sources: British Film Institute. ‘Medical model’ vs. ’social model’.

http://www.bfi.org.uk/education/teaching/disability/thinking/medical.html

British Film Institute. Disability, diversity and Equal Opportunities.

http://www.bfi.org.uk/education/teaching/disability/thinking/diversity.html

Daniel Goldberg. Social Model of Disability. 09 November 2006. http://www.medhumanities.org/2006/11/social_model_of.html

[3] ICF definition of disability and impairment in “Disability and Rehabilitation WHO Action Plan 2006-2011.” Accessible from: http://www.who.int/disabilities/publications/dar_action_plan_2006to2011.pdf

[4] Thomas, Pam. “Disability and Charity.” Available from:

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/disability-studies/archiveuk/thomas%20pam/Equalising%20charity1.pdf

[5] According to the internal document entitled “Taking Stock of Disability Related Interventions at UNRWA” provided by the Programs and Projects Support Unit at UNRWA JFO.

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