Kin Lecture 6

Models of Disability
- Categorical Model
- Classification of disability based on defined criteria.
- Deficit or Medical Model
- Focus on disabilities as deficits or illnesses to be treated or fixed.
- Social Minority or Disability Rights Model
- Recognizes people with disabilities as a minority group facing social injustices.
- Ecological Model
- Emphasizes interaction between individuals and their environments including societal factors.

Evolution of Perspectives
- Facility Based
- Services designed primarily around institutional settings.
- Services Based
- Emphasis on providing services to individuals with disabilities.
- Supports Based
- Focus on providing support mechanisms rather than just services.
- Empowerment
- Promoting autonomy and agency among individuals with disabilities.
- Resistance
- Social movements challenging existing paradigms and advocating for rights.
- Personal Coherence
- How individuals with disabilities integrate their experiences into their identity.
- References:
- Polloway, Patton, Smith, & Smith (1996); Rossow-Kimball & Goodwin (2018).

Definition of Inclusion
- Inclusion
- To contain as part of a whole; all individuals can participate fully.
- Integration
- Requires supplements or additions to facilitate participation; the action of incorporating into a new environment.

Differences
- Process vs. Product
- Inclusion is a continuous process, integration can often be seen as a product or end result.
- Core Principles
- Ensure choices for individuals, provide necessary support, foster connections, and promote feelings of value.
- Assessment for inclusion involves examining individual needs, necessary supports, and skills required for successful participation.

Diversity and Capability Focus
- Unique Qualities
- Every individual possesses distinct characteristics.
- Empowerment
- Fostering belief in oneself and abilities.
- Belonging
- Sense of connection and being part of a whole community.
- Security
- Safety through fair enforcement of rules.
- Purpose
- Setting realistic, yet challenging goals.

Universal Participation
- Everyone feels included without distinction.
- Combatting feelings of isolation and devaluation.

Negative Perceptions
- Some individuals may feel embarrassment or rejection due to perceived differences.
Safety Concerns
- Vulnerability in physical activity settings may arise.

Enhancing Personal Attitudes
- Recognizing that personal attitudes are shaped by early experiences and knowledge about disabilities.
Strategies for Attitude Improvement
- Personal attempts at change.
- Attending relevant presentations and discussions.
- Engaging in simulations and direct interactions with individuals with disabilities.

Understanding Barriers
- Individuals often fear the unknown; education can mitigate negative biases.
Strategies for Change
- Focus on commonalities rather than differences.
- Adopt a person-centered approach to care and interaction.
Real Examples of Poor Attitudes
- Segregated scheduling for different abilities, demonstrating underlying bias.

Structural Changes
- Create opportunities for interactions and shared experiences.
Encouraging Personal Contact
- Foster cooperative independence and effective communication among participants.

Importance of Language
- Inappropriate language can foster division; sensitive terminology promotes respect and inclusion.
- Following a 'people first' philosophy; for example, emphasizing "person with a disability" over "disabled person."

Focus on Similarities and Abilities
- Communicate the significance of each individual's abilities and maintain respect.

Knowledge of Benefits
- Recognizing advantages for both individuals with and without disabilities.
Awareness of Barriers
- Understanding obstacles to effective integration is essential.
Advocacy
- Promote necessary services and supports for integrative efforts.

Self-Reflection
- What actions can be taken now, personally or professionally, to further the cause of inclusion in society?