Disabled People's Network Manchester
			Email: info@dpnsg.org.uk | Telephone & textphone: 0161 273 5033 | Fax: 0161 273 2637
	Who we are List of members Guidelines for Accessible Meetings & Events Social Model of Disability & Core Needs of Independent Living Supported by the Community Network for Manchester		Social Model of Disability & the Core Needs of Independent Living All of the organisations in the Disabled People's Network are committed to promoting and supporting the social model of disability. We believe that disabled people are excluded from society because of barriers in society, including attitudes and social barriers, physical, economic and political barriers. The Individual or Medical Model of Disability This explains ways in which disabled people are stereotyped or judged, when a person is placed at the centre as the "problem". The person is considered "defective", "different" or "not normal" and is often described or believed to be: "housebound" and/or "confined" to a wheelchair and/or unable to make decisions and/or can't use hands, feet, other parts of the body and/or can't see or hear and/or can't cope and/or having an ungrateful or "bitter" attitude and/or having "special needs" and/or in need of a doctor or a cure and/or needing charity and/or needing sympathyand/or always needing help. Much of this language is very negative and does not really describe the experience of disabled people. All of us in society need a doctor and all kinds of help at different times throughout our lives but many people, especially many professionals believe that they "know best", do not always treat disabled people with respect, don't listen to their views and experience and don't consider discussing options and decisions directly with them. For more information, training, and discussions around these issues, contact your local disabled people's group or contact us at info@dpnsg.org.uk The Social Model of Disability This is an alternative way of understanding access issues and social exclusion and sees the problem as a "disabling world". All the following issues are examples of situations which can be changed and allow disabled people to participate in mainstream society. badly designed buildingsand/or no accessible transport or parking spaces and/or poor job prospects and/or small print format and/or little or no recognition or or use of sign languages, Braille or use of raised lettersand/or segregated education and/or academic and physical achievements which are considered to be most important in judging people's contributions to work and society and/or negative attitudes and negative media images of disabled people and/or poverty and low income and/or isolation and exclusion from activities, work and social events that friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues choose to do and/or lack of knowledge about or commitment to improving access to equality and/or lack of commitment to supporting disabled people in fighting discrimination and equality Some of these issues can be resolved by consulting with disabled people, changing attitudes, policies and practices, rethinking budget priorities and expenditure, challenging barriers and exploring why our society doesn't treat all its members as equal. Other issues may need radical political decisions. Acknowledgements: These versions of the social and medical models of disability have been developed from models developed by Unison NW, Manchester Disabled People's Access Group and Pam Thomas. See also the information in "Guidelines for Accessible Meetings and Events" published by the Disabled People's Network, Community Network for Manchester, and available in different formats from the Disabled People's Network or MDPAG. More information, articles and academic papers on the social model of disability and other disability issues are available at: The British Council of Disabled People (BCODP), and "Social Model or Unsociable Muddle?" from Disability Awareness in Action and from the Centre for Disability Studies, University of Leeds. Permission: This information on the social model of disability has been provided with permission from the Manchester Disabled People's Access Group. The Seven Core Needs of Independent Living Most of the organisations also support the core needs of independent living which are: Information: to make decisions, we need information. We all have different needs so it might need to be on tape, in braille, in Large Print or with pictures and easy words; Peer support: we sometimes need help to make decisions and it can help talking to other people like us. Sometimes they've had the same problems in getting what they want but have been able to sort it out; Housing: we need to be able to get into houses and have support to live in our own homes if we want. We need our homes to be close to shops and friends, just like every one else; Technical aids: We have a right to be able to have things, which can help us live independently. Things like computers, hoists, which can help us get in and out of the bath and textphones; Personal assistance: We need help from other people when we need it, not when they feel like giving it; Transport: to be part of society and be able to do what other people do, we need to be able to use buses, trains, taxis, trams, planes, coaches, cars and other types of transport; Access: we need to get into buildings, enjoy and use the environment, use public services and be safe from hazards and obstacles. Acknowledgements: this has been adapted from the Lothian Centre for Independent Living 12 Core Needs of Independent Living Some organisations support 12 core needs which are: Full access to our environment A fully accessible transport system Technical aids and equipment Accessible and/or adapted housing Personal assistance Inclusive education and training An adequate income Equal opportunities for employment Appropriate and accessible information Advocacy (towards self-advocacy) Counselling Appropriate and accessible health care provision Adapted from the Southampton Centre for Independent Living

Page updated 4th January 2007