What is the social model of disability? Meaning for FE

The social model is one of the most useful ideas in inclusion work. It changes the question from “what is wrong with this learner?” to “what is getting in this learner’s way?”

What is the social model of disability?

The social model was developed by disabled people and disability activists in the UK from the 1970s. It separates impairment, which is a difference in how a person’s body or mind works, from disability, which is the disadvantage caused when society does not account for that difference. A wheelchair user is disabled by a building with only stairs. A dyslexic learner is disabled by a worksheet in dense small print with a strict time limit.

The model contrasts with the medical model, which treats disability as a deficit in the individual. Most real practice uses both: a diagnosis or assessment can help identify what support will work, but the aim is to change the environment, teaching and assessment so the learner can take part.

How does the social model apply in FE and apprenticeships?

It is the thinking behind reasonable adjustments and the anticipatory duty. Instead of asking each disabled learner to adapt, the provider changes the course, materials, assessment method or workplace. It also supports a practice of asking learners what helps, which is the basis of learner voice.

Examples in FE include providing materials in an accessible format as standard, offering a choice of how learners show their knowledge where the qualification allows it, and agreeing breaks for a learner with a fluctuating condition. In an apprenticeship, it means looking at the workplace as well as the classroom, and talking early with the employer about adjustments.

What is a common misconception about the social model?

One misconception is that the social model denies that impairments exist or that diagnosis matters. It does not. It says impairment is real, and that barriers are the part that organisations can and should change. Another is that it is the legal test for disability. It is not. The Equality Act 2010 defines disability by reference to a physical or mental impairment with a substantial and long-term adverse effect on day-to-day activities. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the UK has ratified, describes disability as resulting from the interaction between people with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers, which is closer to the social model.

A third misconception is that using the model means avoiding the word “disability”. Many disabled people use “disabled people” deliberately because it names the barrier.

Where can you find the official source?

The legal definition is in section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 and summarised on gov.uk. The Convention is published by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The social model itself comes from the work of disabled people’s organisations and academics, so for practice guidance, look to those organisations. See also neurodiversity.