Diagramming the Differences Between the Medical Model and the Social Model: 4 Key Points That Change the Perception of Disability [2026 Edition]

When it comes to disabilities, everyone has different perspectives and opinions.

One approach that can provide insight when considering "what is a disability" is the "social model of disability."

The social model of disability is an essential concept in a symbiotic society that aims for "barrier-free minds."

This time, we will explain the social model of disability with specific examples and discuss how it differs from the medical model, which has been the traditional way of understanding disabilities.

Please use this article as a reference to reconsider disabilities.

1. What is the Social Model of Disability?

The social model of disability is a concept that the barriers created by disabilities are not due to individual physical or mental limitations but are created by the way society is structured, including objects, environments, and human interactions.

Reference: Basic Policy on Promoting the Elimination of Discrimination Based on Disability | Cabinet Office

For example, consider a large step at a store entrance that a wheelchair cannot overcome.

Applying the social model to this problem, it's not just an issue of the physical capabilities of the person in the wheelchair, but also the responsibility of the store for not installing a ramp.

In other words, society creates the barriers, and it is society's responsibility to eliminate them.

The social model emerged in the 1960s alongside the development of the disability rights movement and independent living movement in the UK.

Subsequently, the "Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS)" was formed, and in 1976, they published the "Fundamental Principles of Disability," spreading the new concept of the social model of disability.

Reference: Considering 'Disability' 2: Medical Model and Social Model | National Mental Health Compensation Lawsuit Study Group

2. Differences Between the Social Model and the Medical Model (Individual Model)

The difference between the social model and the medical model lies in where the responsibility for the barriers created by disabilities is placed.

Firstly, the medical model, also known as the "individual model," considers disability as an essence diagnosed from a medical perspective and seeks to solve problems through individual treatment.

In the medical model, the barriers created by disabilities are the individual's responsibility, and they must adapt to society through treatment.

On the other hand, as previously explained, the social model views the responsibility for barriers created by disabilities as lying with society, not the individual with the disability.

The "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," adopted by the United Nations in 2006, reflects the social model's perspective.

Reference: "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Additionally, the "Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities," revised in 2011, is also based on the social model, marking a shift in the concept of disability from the "medical model" to the "social model."

Reference: Overview of the Revised Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities (2) Definitions (Related to Article 2 of the Act) | Cabinet Office

3. Four Types of Social Barriers

3-1. What are Physical Barriers?

Physical barriers are obstacles that arise in the movement and actions of people with disabilities.

For example, steps or narrow pathways in buildings and public transportation can be difficult or impossible for wheelchair users to navigate. Other examples of physical barriers include:

・Gaps between train platforms and trains
・Bicycles left on sidewalks
・Slippery floors
・Buttons placed at high positions

3-2. What are Institutional Barriers?

Institutional barriers are obstacles that deprive individuals of equal opportunities at the stage of action or activity due to disability, regardless of ability.

Examples include being denied eligibility to take exams or being unable to enroll in schools due to disability, which are institutional barriers.

Additionally, being refused entry to restaurants with guide dogs or hearing dogs can also be considered an institutional barrier.

3-3. What are Cultural and Informational Barriers?

Cultural and informational barriers refer to situations where necessary information is not adequately accessible due to disability.

For instance, information provided only through touch panels is inaccessible to those with visual impairments.

Similarly, audio-only guidance is not accessible to those with hearing impairments.

In such situations, information that should be accessible is obstructed by barriers.

3-4. What are Attitudinal Barriers?

Attitudinal barriers are obstacles arising from prejudice or discrimination against people with disabilities.

Examples include pointing out physical appearances due to disability or viewing individuals with mental disabilities with prejudice, which are attitudinal barriers.

Additionally, excessively pitying someone for having a disability can also contribute to creating attitudinal barriers.

4. How to Eliminate Social Barriers

So far, we have explained various barriers that exist in social life, but what methods are there to eliminate such barriers?

Summarizing the solutions for each type of barrier, they are as follows:

As shown above, the methods for eliminating barriers vary depending on the type.

Physical and cultural/informational barriers can be somewhat resolved by companies and municipalities investing in them.

One example is the mandatory provision of reasonable accommodation.

With the revision of the Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities in 2021, from April 1, 2024, businesses will be required to provide reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities.

While prohibiting unjust discriminatory treatment based on disability, businesses must provide reasonable accommodation in response to requests from persons with disabilities, as long as it does not impose an undue burden on them.

The mandatory provision of reasonable accommodation is an example of improving institutional barriers.

For more detailed information on reasonable accommodation, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

Among the barriers, the most challenging to eliminate is attitudinal barriers, and there are still people who speak insensitively to those with disabilities or unintentionally hurt them.

Attitudinal barriers are the only "invisible barriers," making them difficult to resolve.

5. What We Can Do to Achieve a Symbiotic Society

So, how can we eliminate attitudinal barriers, which are considered difficult to resolve, as well as other barriers?

The key is "barrier-free minds."

Barrier-free minds refer to "all people with various physical and mental characteristics and ways of thinking communicating to deepen mutual understanding and support each other."

Reference: Universal Design 2020 Action Plan | Prime Minister's Office

In other words, not only eliminating physical barriers but also deepening understanding and communication among people can lead to a better symbiotic society.

Understanding the social model and our attitudes towards people with disabilities is the first step towards barrier-free minds.

For a detailed explanation of the concept and definition of barrier-free and barrier-free minds, please refer to the following article.

Reference:

Some people give up, thinking, "I can't do it because of my disability." Especially when it comes to enjoying entertainment and hobbies, there is a lot of resignation.

We aim to realize the social model through information dissemination.

There are voices saying that Ayumi's articles on Disney's barrier-free and sex services have led to more options.

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