This hand-drawn poster provides a comparative overview of the “Social Model of Disability” and the “Medical Model of Disability.” It is titled “What is Disability?” in bold, decorative text at the top, with a large question mark symbol next to it. The poster is divided into two main sections, each outlining one model, with a “VS” label in the center to indicate the contrast between them.

Top Section: The Social Model of Disability

• Title: “The Social Model of Disability” is written in bold uppercase letters, with a subtitle “View of Social Barriers” underneath.
• Core Concept: This model suggests that “Society is inaccessible and is the problem.” It emphasizes that disability results from societal barriers, not the individual’s impairments.
• Diagram and Labels:
  • Person Illustration: On the left, there is a drawing of a person using a wheelchair, with arrows pointing outwards labeled “Society is inaccessible & is the problem.”
  • Key Barriers:
    • Inaccessible Environment: Text states “Disability is caused by inaccessible environment,” with sub-points like “Buildings,” “Services,” “Language,” and “Communication.”
    • Attitudes: Another set of text highlights “Attitudes” as a cause, listing “Prejudice,” “Stereotypes,” and “Discrimination.”
    • Inflexible Organizations: Notes that “Organizations are inflexible, so they are discriminating,” adding another layer of social obstacles.
  • Highlighted Boxes: Each category is boxed with orange borders, creating a visual grouping of social factors contributing to disability.

Center Divider: “VS”

• “VS”: Written in a bold red box, this symbol divides the social model from the medical model, underscoring their contrasting views.

Bottom Section: The Medical Model of Disability

• Title: “The Medical Model of Disability” is written in uppercase with a blue border around it, and a subtitle “Traditional View” indicating its conventional approach.
• Core Concept: This model centers around the idea that “Individual is impaired & is the problem,” placing the focus on the individual’s impairments rather than societal factors.
• Diagram and Labels:
  • Person Illustration: On the left, there is a simple drawing of a person in a wheelchair, with a label “The Problem” pointing directly at the individual.
  • Key Causes:
    • Physical, Sensory, and Mental Impairments: Text states “Disability is caused by physical, sensory, and mental impairment,” indicating that this model attributes disability to individual limitations.
    • Attitude: Lists “Attitude = the individual is impaired, so is the problem,” reflecting a viewpoint that places blame on the individual.
    • Focus on Medical Intervention: Another text box highlights “Focus on the medical profession” and “Reduce ‘cure’ the effects (of) the impairment,” indicating the model’s emphasis on treatment and remediation.
  • Highlighted Boxes: Each category is bordered in blue, visually distinguishing the components of the medical model.

Bottom Reminder:

• Text: The poster ends with a concluding message in red text:
  • “REMEMBER: Impairments and chronic illness often pose real difficulties BUT they are NOT the main problem!”
• Emphasis: The word “NOT” is underlined for emphasis, reinforcing the message that societal barriers, rather than impairments, are the primary obstacles according to the social model.