The social model positions society as the disabling agent, rather than an individual’s impairment. Under the social model, an impairment is not automatically a disability. It is only a disability when society is not structured (physically, socially, or culturally) to include that impairment/variation. For example, in a society where glasses/corrective lenses are accessible and socially accepted, the impairment of having blurry vision without them is not necessarily disabling. The social model seeks to make changes in society, rather than focusing on disabled people to change.

Social Model of Disability

Create a model that is more inclusive and leaves the opportunity for personal autonomy, and minimizes oppression affecting the subjective lives of people with disabilities posed by the ideologies of the traditional medical model.

Arizona State University

During phase two, individuals have come to a consensus that a problem does exist and collectively come up with a solution to attempt to eliminate the injustice. These solutions can occur at both governmental and nongovernmental levels. 


Phase Two: finding a solution



The Development of the Disability Rights Movement as a Social Problem Solver | Disability Studies Quarterly. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://dsq-sds.org/article/view/399/545

The Development of the Disability Rights Movement as a Social Problem Solver 

Goal of Phase Two

In order for people with disabilities to have equal access to choice and autonomy, they must have the agency to decide when to participate in the mainstream. Thus, centers for independent living aim to support the ability for people with disabilities to function as independently as possible when given the proper resources. 



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