IAAP CPACC Certification | 77 questions and
Answers with complete Solutions | Graded A+
What are the 5 main models of disability? – Answer 1. Medical Model
- Social Model
- Functional Solutions Model
- Social Identity Model
- Charity/Tragedy Model
Medical Model of Disability definition – Answer The model defines disability in terms of biological
impairments. Disability is viewed as a problem that is caused by medically-diagnosed condition
Medical Model Strengths and Weaknesses – Answer Strengths:
-helps define medical diagnoses and treatment
-helps define who receives government assistance
Weaknesses:
- frequently criticized model
-focusing on biology of person overlooks impact of design decisions in social environment - makes disability a characteristic of the person, essentially labeling and stigmatizing person as less than
-people who do not fit within clearly defined definition may be denied benefits they need
Social Model Definition – Answer The model says that society creates disabling conditions and that
disability is an avoidable condition caused by poor design
Social Model Strengths and Weaknesses – Answer Strengths:
-empowers people with disabilities
-expects that society will create inclusive environments
-empowers designers to think about usability for all people
Weaknesses:
-some say that the model de-emphasizes the physical reality of disability too much
-model doesn’t allow people to accept and own their disability
Functional Solutions Model – Answer Model focuses on applying innovative solutions to overcome
the limitations created by disabilities. Models approach is used by accessibility professionals
Functional Solutions Model Strengths and Weaknesses – Answer Strengths:
-emphasizes creating accessible environments and getting things done instead of focusing on theory
Weaknesses:
-sometimes people focus so much on the solution that they miss the opportunity to address larger social
context. - addressing larger social context can make a solution obsolete
Social Identity Model – Answer This model says people with disabilities can develop a sense of
personal identity from the shared experiences people with disabilities have. These people develop a
sense of culture based on the shared experiences. Example: Deaf Culture
Social Identity Model Strengths and Weaknesses – Answer Strengths:
- definition helps empower and accept people with disabilities
-forming alliances/social groups means more political power
Weaknesses: - doesn’t serve as good technical definition of disability, bc people with different types of disabilities
mingle - strongly identifying with other people with disabilities could be a result from being excluded from rest
of society
Charity/Tragedy Model – Answer Model defines disability as a tragedy or unfortunate condition
worthy of special treatment. People take pity on people with disabilities and set up charity events to try
and improve conditions of disabled person
Charity/Tragedy Model Strengths and Weaknesses – Answer Strengths:
-Model can make people without disabilities more empathetic towards people with disabilities and make
them genuinely want to help
Weakness:
-Model creates unequal social and political relationships between people, which can slow down progress
for people with disabilities as a whole
Which of the following is true about the medical model of disability?
A. The medical model of disability looks to eliminate barriers and limitations through innovative
solutions.
B. The medical model of disability views people with disabilities as victims of their conditions and pities
them.
C. The medical model of disability focuses solely on the biological aspects of disability.
D. The medical model of disability takes into account the impact of a person’s physical environment. –
Answer C. The medical model of disability focuses solely on the biological aspects of disability
Which model of disability argues that disability is more of a result of inaccessible environments?
A. Social model
B. Functional Solutions model
C. Social Identity model
D. Charity/Tragedy model – Answer A. Social Model
A weakness of the social identity/cultural affiliation of disability model is:
A. It could be patronizing towards people with disabilities.
B. It may be a result of people with disabilities feeling excluded from society.