Table 1. Models of Disability

1 Table of DisabilityModel of DisabilityDescriptionCommentMedical ModelThe medical model or illness approach is based onthe view that Disability is caused by disease ortrauma and its resolution or solution isintervention provided and controlled is perceived as deviationfrom normality and the role of persons withdisability is to accept the care determined byand imposed by health professionals who areconsidered the ,47-48In this model, Disability is considered as residing within approach to Disability has been rejected bymany individuals with Disability and disabilityadvocacy groups,24,47-48because it does notcover the full spectrum of issues related toliving with a Disability . Further, it ignores theability of many individuals to live full andsuccessful lives and to be independent, theimpact of a Disability on access to healthcare, and the need to modify how care isdelivered because of a Disability .

2 The medicalmodel reinforces the view that physicians,nurses and other health care professionals arebest qualified to make key decisions abouthealth issues. Individuals with disabilities areoften regarded as ,23,51 Rehabilitation ModelThe traditional rehabilitation model is based on themedical model and the belief that withadequate effort on the part of the person, thedisability can be overcome. Persons withdisabilities are often perceived as having failed ifthey do not overcome the ,51 Similarto the medical model, the rehabilitation modelsuggests that care and support are determinedby approach often fails to consider the realityof permanent Disability . Because this modelshares many characteristics of the medicalmodel, it has been rejected by many peoplewith ModelThe social model of Disability views Disability associally constructed and a consequence ofsociety s lack of awareness and concern aboutthose who may require some modifications tolive full, productive model, referred toby some as the barriers model, views themedical diagnosis, illness or injury as having nopart in Disability .

3 Rather, society is considered thecause of Disability , which is considered aconsequence of an environment created for theable-bodied model has been criticized because itignores or dismisses disease or injury as part ofthe picture, although such factors and theirconsequences may have a major role in thelife of a person with a disability49and mayrequire intervention by health care providersat times. People with disabilities areencouraged to see any problems theyencounter as emerging from barriers andnegative attitudes of others in their ,49,52 Interface ModelThe interface model is based on the premise thatdisability exists at the meeting point or interfacebetween the person s medical diagnosis and theenvironmental factors that affect is seen as neither the medical diagnosisnor the environment alone.

4 In this model thoseindividuals with Disability define their ownproblems and seek solutions, which may includeintervention by health care professionalsincluding nurses. However, these interventionsare designed collaboratively by those withdisabilities and health care is viewed as a life experience in whichthe person with the Disability is in control interface model, developed by a nurse witha Disability , identifies the role of the nurse thatis congruent with the preferences of personswith Disability but simultaneously recognizesthe reality that Disability may be aconsequence of disease or trauma, areas inwhich nurses commonly strongly suggests the need for nursesand nurse educators to address Disability ifnurses are to have a positive andempowering impact in their interaction withpersons with Disability in their care.

5 Theinterface model is not well-known and, todate, has not been adopted by many nursingor other health care groups or ModelThe biopsychosocial approach or model ofdisability views Disability as arising from acombination of factors at the physical,emotional and environmental approach or model takes the focus beyondthe individual and addresses issues thatinteract to affect the ability of the individualto maintain as high a level of health and well-being as possible and to function withinsociety. This approach is consistent with theWHO s revised definitions of that disabilities are often due toillness or injury and does not dismiss theimportance of the impact of biological,emotional and environmental issues onhealth, well-being, and function in of this model have suggested thatthe disabling condition, rather than theperson and the experience of the person witha Disability , is the defining construct of thebiopsychosocial General s call to actionSmeltzer193 JULY/AUGUSTNURSINGOUTLOOK