KEY MESSAGES
DISABILITY IS NOT INABILITY
There are a number of models or ways in which to view disability. However, it is important for
duty bearers to view disability using the human rights and social models The human rights
model focuses on the inherent dignity of the human being and subsequently, but only, if
necessary, on the person’s medical characteristics. It places the individual at the centre stage
in all decisions affecting him/her and most importantly, locates the main “problem” outside
the person and in society. it looks at the person first before the disability. The Social model
views disability from the functioning perspective, and says the environment and the attitude
from the society limits the functioning of persons with disabilities. Hence this model requires
the removal of all barriers and provide reasonable accommodation to enable PWDs functions
in the day-to-day activities like any other. The two models believe that the impairment one
has is not a problem, but the society which maybe user friendly.