Social Model of Disability

The literature and documents sent out so far about Covid 19 make little if any reference to the social needs of disabled people. If they are referenced at all it's in a medical context, i.e. whether they have x serious underlying conditions then they should shield. However lockdown has had a massive impact on disabled people far beyond this limited 'medical model' view of disabled people. Covid 19 is going to be around until a vaccine is developed therefore the Scottish Government must establish a Covid Disability Task Force as one of it's main themes that works using a 'social model of disability' as opposed to a medical model of disability.

The advice from Scottish and UK Government has been patchy and confusing for disabled people, this cannot be allowed to continue once lockdown restrictions are lifted. We cannot be left out of the conversation that affects our lives in a completely different manner from able bodied people.

Why the contribution is important

There are several national charities and national disability organisations in Scotland that already help formulate policy on disability issues both at national and local level. The relevant Minister should be tasked to quickly convene a virtual task force to ensure the concept of the social model of disability is embedded in post lock down plans going forward.

The fact the recent Covid 19 Leaflet from the First Minister sent to every household failed to mention disabled people once, or have one telephone line disabled people experiencing difficulties could ring shows how much the social needs of the disabled have been forgotten. For example if face masks are to be compulsory on public transport what happens if a disabled person currently living independent is physically unable to put a face mask on? Will they be granted an exemption? If so how? Who in government is thinking about this now? There are a myriad of the new rules which may be physically or mentally impossible for disabled people who are currently living independent lives to follow.

The fact that disabled people have been forgotten in Care Homes and in some cases allowed to die because we followed the 'medical model' of disability is a national wake up call. We must not and cannot allow that to continue post lockdown.

by EastFife20 on May 05, 2020 at 11:03PM

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Average rating: 4.2
Based on: 15 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Anna May 06, 2020 at 01:14

    Hearing and sight problems increase due to masks, social distancing and inability to shop or see what is on a shelf.

    Those who can not use telephone banking or online Banking have had their independence removed.

    They are being made very socially vulnerable though not in that category Officially as these disabilities not included in a special category.

  • Posted by julselis May 06, 2020 at 03:37

    Very well said, I am disabled and am completely shocked by how our Scottish Govt, who has so often led the way with disability issues, has all but forgotten us this time round! I am tired of people telling me I should be in isolation / shielding because I am disabled (I am not at high risk!) and also there is complete confusion around the use of the word 'vulnerable'....Am I vulnerable? It appears not, since I'm not on any list for help.
    Social Work has also moved all their services to 'critical care only' leaving many disabled people with no help at all.
    So, I'm 'merely disabled and struggling terribly now' perhaps?
    It's a joke.

  • Posted by Niall May 06, 2020 at 10:19

    Very well said. Everyone from ScotGov to the supermarkets have instituted a one size fits all strategy that leaves disabled people in a much more dangerous position. We may all be in the same boat, but disabled people are in the bilge, as usual.

  • Posted by Raph May 06, 2020 at 13:26

    Thank you for this, I second all of this and am shocked to see this is the only response when I search for 'disability' when I search it right now.
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