Disability is multidimensional, and the three major models of disability cannot be cleanly separated in practice. Instead, each model highlights different aspects of experience, and tensions emerge when they are operationalized. For instance, someone with chronic pain may qualify as disabled under a medical definition, but effective medication and support might minimize disablement socially. Conversely, someone with arthritis could be highly disabled in practice yet excluded from formal recognition or resources if their condition does not meet political or diagnostic criteria.