In this film, we ask prominent disabled people from the disability community what is the social model of disability, and why is it important to them?

The social model of disability says that disability is caused by the way society is organised, rather than by a person’s impairment or difference. It looks at ways of removing barriers that restrict life choices for disabled people. When barriers are removed, disabled people can be independent and equal in society, with choice and control over their own lives.

Disabled people developed the social model of disability because the traditional medical model did not explain their personal experience of disability or help to develop more inclusive ways of living.

An impairment is defined as long-term limitation of a person’s physical, mental or sensory function.

With thanks to:
Alice Maynard
Ossie Stuart
Ian Macrae
Mik Scarlet
Laurence Clark
Kiruna Stammell
Paul Carter

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About Scope:
Scope exists to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. Until then, we'll be here. We provide support, information and advice to more than a quarter of a million disabled people and their families every year. We raise awareness of the issues that matter. And with your support, we'll keep driving change across society until this country is great for everyone.

Find out more about our work here: http://www.scope.org.uk