Speaking on a issue of the social model(s), first all of all we must
remember that we are speaking about various models, with variance. I have
yet to see a model that integrates both impairment [without the
predomination of biomedical ideas] and the social component disability.
With regard to the learning disabilities, speaking from personal perspective
[as someone with one form of learning disability] isn't learning also
socially constructed? That is in the way in which teaching and learning is
structured and viewed, if so is this perhaps responsible for the outcome of
LD? . If so is it not then, environment in part responsible for the social
aspect of learning disability?
It appears to me that perhaps just like in feminism we talk about issue of
the gender a social issue and biology -- health issues. In disabilities
studies we need to make the distinctions. Indeed the social model was not
perfect, but it did get us all away from thinking in purely biomedical
terms, reading Oliver 1996 gave me the impression that at the roots of it
all, that is primarily what the social model (UK version) aimed at
doing.(?)
We need, as many have said, an innovative way to view the impairment
component(s); preferably without totally going back to the biomedical ideas
of the 1940's.
Speaking from personal \ organic perspective, with my particular of physical
impairments I have noted that in large part it is still three elements that
can be linked to accumulation of environmental and economic factors that
worsen each and everyone of my impairments. I am not denying biomedical
cause. Just that the accumulation of having to endure bad environmental
structure and a range of attitudinal, medical stupidity contributed to
worsening of biomedical factors. I understand that not everyone has the
same impairment as I. my personal journey into the question has led me to
look at how impairment is constructed by whom and for what purpose.
The social model is "alien" in the province I live in, so perhaps I am only
seeing the green grass of it all; however, it seems to me that not been
seen exclusively in biomedical terms has to be more positive in every
aspect.
Maria
> > --------
> > From: A.Mcclimens
> > Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2000 11:13 am
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Barbie and the social model of disability
> >
> > Morning Lynne;
> >
> > I've just booted up and was very interested by your posting to the
> > list. I'm also looking at the social model but from a different
> > perspective. My subject area is learning difficulties and in order to
> > get a new angle I too had a look at Cooper's article. Now while I
> > think there's something to go on there I'm not convinced.
> > the social model as it was originally developed (if I've got this
right)
> > aimed to liberate people oppressed by the built environment. these
> > people tended to have physical problems (and obesity might be
> > one of them) and they rejected the design model which sought to
> > accommodate the 'average' person where average meant ambulant.
> > there's an issue here of degrees of difference and kinds of
> > difference. Cooper might well be towards the obese end of the
> > scales (on an objective measure; kilos or pounds) but it's how
> > society measures her obesity which I think she was objecting to.
> > for people who have learning difficulties they seem to be ignored
> > both by society and by the social model since both tend to cater
> > for physical 'disabilities' and are uncomfortable with the notion of
> > impairment. hence they tend towards a difference of kind.
> >
> > my point is that we either see people as being on a continuum of
> > difference/ability/weight etc or we categorise so concretely that the
> > continuum is segregated and people 'belong' in one category and
> > not another.
> > a fat woman calling herself disabled is interesting conceptually but
> > she has the option of dieting. a person with a learning difficulty
> > doesn't have a similar alternative. as far as altering body shape
> > goes some people with Downs syndrome do opt for plastic surgery
> > but that can only disguise their appearance, the intellectual part of
> > their condition stays.
> >
> > I admit that my own gender sometimes clouds my thinking here.
> > given the option I'd go for the Barbie shape but I suppose I'm just
> > hopelessly conditioned.
> >
> > if you feel there's any more to discuss I'd be pleased to hear from
> > you.
> > the weather in Sheffield is overcast.
> >
> > regards,
> >
> > Alex
> >
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