Week 10 — Disability, Vulnerability & Applied Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to disability, vulnerability, and applied psychology.

Disability

An interaction between an individual’s impairments and societal barriers that hinder full participation.

Medical Model of Disability

Views disability as a problem within the individual that needs to be fixed or treated.

Social Model of Disability

Posits that disability arises from societal barriers such as stigma and exclusion, focusing on changing the environment rather than the individual.

Biopsychosocial Model

Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding disability.

Human Rights Model

Emphasizes autonomy, participation, and equality, informing frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Vulnerability

Increased risk of harm, discrimination, or exclusion, which can be situational or systemic.

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

Provides funding to Australians with permanent and significant disabilities to improve independence and participation.

Choice & Control (NDIS Principle)

Participants can decide how their funding is used.

Early Intervention (NDIS Principle)

Funding for early supports to prevent worsening outcomes.

Social & Economic Participation (NDIS Principle)

Encouraging community involvement and employment in individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable & Necessary Supports (NDIS Principle)

Principle that funding is provided only for supports that are evidence-based and linked to disability goals.

Evidence-Based Practice

Combines research evidence, clinical expertise, and client preferences in applied psychology.

Ethical Research Practice

Involves people with disabilities as participants and co-creators, treating them with agency.

Complex Application Processes (NDIS Challenge)

The complicated procedures required to apply for disability support funding can lead to inequitable access.

Paradox of Vulnerability

A framework that aims to protect individuals but may lead to disempowerment and exclusion when labeling individuals as 'vulnerable'.

Key Takeaway on Vulnerability

Disability does not equal inherent vulnerability; context shapes vulnerability.