Learn about the social model of disability.

As summarized by Scope, “the social model of disability is a way of viewing the world, developed by disabled people.” 

“The model says that people are disabled by barriers in society, not by their impairment or difference. Barriers can be physical, like buildings not having accessible toilets. Or they can be caused by people's attitudes to difference, like assuming disabled people can't do certain things.”

“The social model helps us recognise barriers that make life harder for disabled people. Removing these barriers creates equality and offers disabled people more independence, choice and control.”

The term social model was coined by Mike Oliver in 1983.

What is the Social Model of Disability - by Spectrum Centre for Independent Living

Social Model of Disability for Kids

Scope recommends using the children’s book “Winnie the Witch” to teach children about the social model.

Here is an animated read-aloud version of Winnie the Witch.