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Katie Ellis, Mike Kent, and Gwyneth Peaty

This six-week MOOC is designed to introduce students to various “models of disability” that are foundational to the critical disability research we conduct in the Critical Disability Research Network, and that inform the boarder disability studies discipline.

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This six-week MOOC is designed to introduce students to various “models of disability” that are foundational to the critical disability research we conduct in the Critical Disability Research Network, and that inform the boarder disability studies discipline.

Learners will gain a good understanding the main models of disability and how they interplay. These models provide new ways of seeing how disability interfaces with society, and provide important background for any further formal study in this area. They also provide useful tools for people working with people with disabilities, such as supporters and advocates.

What you'll learn

  • Module 1: The medical model of disability
  • Module 2: The tragedy model of disability
  • Module 3: The social model of disability
  • Module 4: The cultural model of disability
  • Module 5: The human rights model of disability
  • Module 6: Critical disability studies

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Develops understanding of various models of disability, providing a foundation for critical disability research and advocacy
Taught by recognized instructors in the field of disability studies, including Katie Ellis, Gwyneth Peaty, and Mike Kent
Explores the social model of disability and its importance in addressing societal barriers and promoting inclusion
Examines the human rights model of disability, highlighting the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities
Provides useful tools and perspectives for supporters and advocates working with people with disabilities
Introduces critical disability studies, a field that challenges traditional perspectives and promotes social justice for people with disabilities

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Exploring Models of Disability with these activities:
Volunteer with an organization that works with people with disabilities
Volunteering with an organization that works with people with disabilities will provide you with firsthand experience and insights into the lived experiences of people with disabilities.
Show steps
  • Research and identify organizations in your community that work with people with disabilities.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend training and orientation sessions provided by the organization.
Review foundational sociology concepts
Reviewing foundational sociology concepts will provide a strong foundation for understanding the models of disability covered in this course.
Browse courses on Disability Studies
Show steps
  • Review key sociological theories and perspectives, such as functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.
  • Read classic texts in sociology, such as those by Durkheim, Weber, and Marx.
  • Take practice quizzes or self-assessments to test your understanding of key concepts.
Read and review a key text in the field of disability studies, such as 'Disability Studies: A Reader' by Lennard J. Davis
Reading and reviewing a key text in disability studies will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the field and its core concepts.
View Enabling Acts on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book and set aside dedicated time for reading.
  • Read the book actively, taking notes and highlighting important passages.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Create a concept map of the different models of disability
Creating a concept map will help you visualize the relationships between the different models of disability and how they inform the broader disability studies discipline.
Show steps
  • Identify the main concepts and theories associated with each model of disability.
  • Use a visual tool, such as a mind map or flowchart, to organize and connect the concepts.
  • Add examples and case studies to illustrate how the different models apply to real-world situations.
Participate in a peer discussion group to debate the strengths and weaknesses of different models of disability
Engaging in peer discussions will provide you with diverse perspectives and challenge your own understanding of the different models of disability.
Show steps
  • Join or start a peer discussion group specifically focused on disability studies or critical disability research.
  • Prepare for discussions by reading the assigned course materials and conducting additional research.
  • Actively participate in discussions, sharing your own insights and perspectives while also listening attentively to others.
Practice applying the different models of disability to real-world scenarios
Practicing applying the different models of disability will help you develop a deeper understanding of their implications and limitations.
Show steps
  • Identify real-world situations or case studies that involve issues of disability.
  • Apply each model of disability to analyze the situation and identify its strengths and weaknesses.
  • Compare and contrast the different models and discuss their implications for understanding and addressing disability.
Contribute to open-source projects related to disability
Contributing to open-source projects related to disability will allow you to apply your knowledge and skills while also making a meaningful contribution to the disability community.
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to disability, such as assistive technology development or accessibility audits.
  • Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
  • Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
Develop a research proposal or project plan for a study on a topic related to disability
Developing a research proposal or project plan will provide you with hands-on experience in designing and planning a research study on disability.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific research topic related to disability that interests you.
  • Conduct a literature review to gather background information and identify gaps in knowledge.
  • Develop a research question or hypothesis.

Career center

Learners who complete Exploring Models of Disability will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Disability Policy Analyst
Disability Policy Analysts conduct research and develop policies that affect people with disabilities. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Disability Policy Analysts to develop effective policies. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges faced by people with disabilities. This course may also be useful for Disability Policy Analysts who wish to specialize in specific areas such as employment, education, or housing.
Disability Rights Lawyer
Disability Rights Lawyers advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Disability Rights Lawyers to effectively advocate for their clients. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the legal issues and challenges faced by people with disabilities. This course may also be useful for Disability Rights Lawyers who wish to specialize in specific areas such as employment, education, or housing.
Disability Studies Professor
Disability Studies Professors teach and conduct research on disability. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Disability Studies Professors to effectively teach and conduct research. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the history, theory, and practice of disability studies. This course may also be useful for Disability Studies Professors who wish to specialize in specific areas such as employment, education, or housing.
Disability Support Worker
Disability Support Workers provide support and assistance to people with disabilities. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Disability Support Workers to effectively support people with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how to provide effective support. This course may also be useful for Disability Support Workers who wish to specialize in working with specific disability groups or in areas such as employment, education, or housing.
Disability Inclusion Consultant
Disability Inclusion Consultants help organizations create inclusive environments for people with disabilities. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Disability Inclusion Consultants to effectively consult with organizations. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers faced by people with disabilities and how to create more inclusive environments. This course may also be useful for Disability Inclusion Consultants who wish to specialize in specific areas such as employment, education, or housing.
Disability Advocate
Disability Advocates support and empower individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in society. This course provides a foundation in understanding various models of disability, which is essential for Disability Advocates to effectively advocate for the rights and needs of people with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more holistic perspective on disability and its impact on individuals and society. This course may also be useful for Disability Advocates who wish to specialize in working with specific disability groups or in areas such as employment, education, or housing.
Assistive Technology Specialist
Assistive Technology Specialists help people with disabilities use assistive technology to improve their independence and quality of life. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Assistive Technology Specialists to effectively support people with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how to develop effective interventions.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities return to work or school. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Rehabilitation Counselors to effectively support people with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how to develop effective interventions.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people with disabilities improve their physical function. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Physical Therapists to effectively help people with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how to develop effective interventions.
Disability Management Specialist
Disability Management Specialists help employers create and manage disability management programs. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Disability Management Specialists to effectively create and manage programs that support employees with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by employees with disabilities and how to develop effective programs.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities improve their ability to perform everyday activities. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Occupational Therapists to effectively help people with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how to develop effective interventions.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people with a variety of challenges, including disability. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Social Workers to effectively support people with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how to provide effective support.
Psychologist
Psychologists help people with a variety of mental health challenges, including disability. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Psychologists to effectively support people with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how to provide effective support.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help people with disabilities communicate. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Speech-Language Pathologists to effectively help people with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how to develop effective interventions.
Case Manager
Case Managers help people with disabilities navigate the complex systems of care and support. This course provides a foundation in understanding the different models of disability, which is essential for Case Managers to effectively support people with disabilities. By gaining a deeper understanding of the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, learners can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and how to provide effective support.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Exploring Models of Disability.
As a pioneering work in the social model of disability, this book challenges the traditional medical model and provides a framework for understanding disability as a social construct.
This foundational text in disability studies brings together key works from the field, addressing various models of disability and their implications for social policy and practice.
This textbook offers a concise and accessible introduction to disability studies, providing an overview of the different models of disability and their impact on education, employment, and society.
Presents the cultural model of disability, arguing that disability is not an inherent attribute of individuals but rather a product of social and cultural norms and expectations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the controversies surrounding disability.

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