Practical pioneering for
people with learning difficulties
The social model of disability
is an exciting approach which asks us all to look at what
we can change, big things and little things, to make sure everyone
is included!
Photo credits:
Karen Robinson
The
Elfrida Society is committed to the Social Model of
Disability.
The social model challenges the old
approach (often called the “medical model”)
which considered the disabled person as a problem to
be worked on.
The social model does not pretend that people can do
things they can’t, impairment does exist, but
it says if there is a problem for people with disabilities
in being able to join in society then it is the way
we all do things (social organisation) which should
change.
For example if you use a wheelchair and cannot get
into a building because the entrance is up some stairs
it’s not your fault!
The social model would say that it is the responsibility
of the people in charge of the building to get a ramp,
or find another entrance, or move somewhere more accessible
so that you can get in.
In the same way if you have learning difficulties and
can’t read the complicated words in a report from
Social Services then they should make an accessible
version (with pictures!) for you.
Some
facts about learning disability..
- About 2% of the population have a learning disability
- About 10% of the prison population have a learning disability
(approximately 6000)
- About 60% of adults with learning disabilities live with
their families
- 17% of people with learning disabilities of working age
have a paid job
- Children and young people with learning disabilities are 6
times more likely to have mental health problems than other
young people
- Almost one in three people with learning disabilities say
they do not have any contact with friends
