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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.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • 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

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
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Introduces learners to models of disability, necessary for Critical Disability Research
Focuses on six main models of disability: medical, tragedy, social, cultural, human rights, and critical disability studies
Introduces students to Critical Disability Research and the disability studies discipline
Covers the interaction of disability and society and provides important background for further study in the area
Provides useful tools for supporters and advocates working with 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:
Connect with experts in the field
You can expand your understanding of disability studies and gain valuable insights by connecting with experts and professionals in the field.
Show steps
  • Attend guest lectures
  • Reach out to professors and researchers
  • Join professional organizations
Review seminal works on disability
Engaging with the classic texts in disability studies will give you a deeper understanding of the intellectual foundations of the field.
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  • Read key chapters
  • Summarize main arguments
  • Discuss key concepts with classmates
Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Exploring Models of Disability will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Disability Studies Professor
Disability Studies Professors teach and conduct research on disability. This course can help Disability Studies Professors develop a comprehensive understanding of different models of disability, as well as the theoretical and methodological approaches used in disability studies. This knowledge can help professors develop more effective teaching and research agendas that advance the field of disability studies.
Academic Researcher
Academic Researchers study disability and its impact on society. This course can help Academic Researchers develop a comprehensive understanding of different models of disability, as well as the theoretical and methodological approaches used in disability research. This knowledge can help researchers produce high-quality research that advances the field of disability studies.
Disability Policy Analyst
Disability Policy Analysts research and analyze policies that affect people with disabilities. This course can help Disability Policy Analysts understand the different models of disability and how they shape policy development. This knowledge can help analysts develop more effective and inclusive policies.
Disability Rights Lawyer
Disability Rights Lawyers represent people with disabilities in legal matters. This course can help Disability Rights Lawyers understand the different models of disability and how they impact the legal system. This knowledge can help lawyers develop more effective legal strategies and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
Independent Living Specialist
Independent Living Specialists help people with disabilities to live independently. This course can help Independent Living Specialists understand the different models of disability and how they impact the ability to live independently. This knowledge can help specialists develop more effective and supportive services.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities to achieve their full potential and live independent lives. This course can help Rehabilitation Counselors understand the different ways in which disability is conceptualized and experienced, and how this impacts the provision of rehabilitation services. The course can also help counselors develop skills in critical disability studies, which can inform their practice and help them challenge ableist systems and structures.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities to participate in meaningful activities. This course can help Occupational Therapists understand the social and cultural models of disability, and how these models can inform their practice. The course can also help therapists develop skills in critical disability studies, which can help them challenge ableist systems and structures and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the collections and exhibits of museums. This course can help Museum Curators develop a better understanding of the social and cultural models of disability and how they can be represented in museum exhibits. This knowledge can help Curators create more inclusive and representative exhibits that challenge ableist stereotypes and promote disability pride.
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teachers work with students with disabilities to help them learn and reach their full potential. This course can help Special Education Teachers understand the different models of disability and how they impact educational practices. This knowledge can help teachers develop more effective and inclusive教学策略.
Disability Advocate
Disability Advocates work to protect and promote the rights of individuals with disabilities. This course can help Disability Advocates develop a comprehensive understanding of different models of disability, including the social model and the human rights model. This knowledge can help them effectively advocate for policies and practices that respect the dignity and rights of people with disabilities.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists work with people with communication and swallowing disorders. This course can help Speech-Language Pathologists understand the different models of disability and how they impact communication and swallowing. This knowledge can help pathologists develop more effective and inclusive intervention strategies.
Case Manager
Case Managers coordinate services for people with disabilities. This course can help Case Managers understand the different models of disability and how they impact the provision of services. This knowledge can help managers develop more effective and coordinated care plans.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help people with movement disorders. This course can help Physical Therapists understand the different models of disability and how they impact movement. This knowledge can help therapists develop more effective and inclusive rehabilitation strategies.
Journalist
Journalists write and report on issues related to disability. This course can help Journalists develop a deeper understanding of the different models of disability and how they shape public perceptions and policies. This knowledge can help journalists produce more accurate and informed reporting on disability issues.
Social Worker
Social Workers provide support to individuals who face diverse challenges and disabilities. This course can help Social Workers understand the social model of disability, which emphasizes the role of societal barriers in creating disability rather than individual impairments. This perspective can help Social Workers develop more effective interventions and advocate for policies that promote social inclusion.

Reading list

We've selected ten 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.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the main models of disability, including the medical model, the social model, and the cultural model. It also discusses the implications of these models for policy and practice.
This introductory textbook provides a comprehensive overview of disability studies, including the different models of disability.
Provides a critical overview of the field of disability theory, arguing that disability is not a natural category but rather a social construction.
This historical analysis provides a deeper understanding of the social and political forces that have shaped the experiences of people with disabilities.
Provides a detailed exposition of the social model of disability, arguing that disability is caused by social barriers rather than by individual impairments.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of disability studies, including the different models of disability.
This reader provides a collection of essays that explore the relationship between disability and the arts, including the ways in which disability has been represented in art and the ways in which art can be used to challenge stereotypes and promote disability rights.
This reader provides a collection of essays that explore the relationship between disability and television, including the ways in which disability has been represented on television and the ways in which television can be used to challenge stereotypes and promote disability rights.

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