Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2015, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (6): 85-115.

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Institutions and Life for People with Disability: From “Individual Model” to “Universal Model”

YANG Zeng,Department of Social Work,School of Sociology and Political Science,Shanghai University   

  • Online:2015-11-20 Published:2015-11-20
  • Contact: YANG Zeng,Department of Social Work,School of Sociology and Political Science,Shanghai University E-mail:yangzeng@shu.edu.cn

Abstract: The last two decades have witnessed a dramatic increase in both the number of people with disability and the social services provided for them. However, sociological studies on the matter are evidently lacking. This paper examines the history of social service for the disabled in the United States and the United Kingdom. Both countries experienced changes in the institution and life of the disabled from the medical model and individual support welfare model to the social model and universal model.The social and universal models of disability offer a critique of “healthism”, a notion that people with disability are different to “what is healthy”. The social and universal models treat people with disability not as objects of medical treatment and social protection but “subjects” of life. Such thinking is not unfamiliar in China as well. In practice, institution and life experience intersect, and proper channels should be provided for the disabled to give feedback on any institutional shortcomings in meeting their needs. By examining this historical change in the UK and the US we can gain a better understanding of our own situation and give room for further reform.

Key words:  ethnic minorities , disability , medical model , social model , disability identity , universal model