Back to Basics: From the medical model to the social model of disability rights – where are we now?

Neville-MupitaAuthor: Neville Mupita
Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria

In recent years due to the growing recognition of the need for a paradigm shift, the international community has witnessed major progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. This is a shift from viewing disability as a medical condition or an inherent deficit to a view that understands that disability is a result of environmental and societal barriers. The reimagining of disability was and is a practical necessity as it plays a major role in legislation, policies and everyday interactions.

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