Living In A World Created By Others
Disability In Psychotherapy – Social Model:
I know first-hand how difficult it can be to live with a disability in a world that was mostly created by and for people with able bodies.
Living with a disability in a world that was predominantly designed by and for individuals with able bodies can be an ongoing challenge, one that I’ve personally experienced. It often feels like trying to navigate a maze where the walls were built without considering the needs and perspectives of those with disabilities. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the idea of the social model of disability and offer some of my personal experiences and observations. This blog will also look at how psychotherapists might use this information to help their clients who live with disabilities (their own disability, know someone with a disability, fear of possible disability by injury/age).
The Social Model Of Disability:
The social model of disability is a fundamental framework that has significantly shaped my perspective on disability.
In comparison, the medical paradigm tends to see disability as a personal health issue that has to be resolved. According to the social model, a person’s disability results from the interaction between their impairments and a society that does not provide accommodations for them.
I can clearly recall a period of time when I had trouble understanding this idea. Being a young adult with limited mobility, I frequently internalised the belief held by society that I should hide or overcome my condition.
It contrasts with the medical model, which tends to view disability as a personal health problem to be fixed. In the social model, disability is seen as a consequence of the interaction between an individual’s impairments and a society that fails to accommodate those impairments. I thought it was solely my burden to bear.
It wasn’t until I encountered the social model that I realized my everyday struggles were mostly influenced by my surroundings rather than just my personal limitations. It wasn’t always up to me to adapt to society, I no longer needed to internalise all of my problems.
Living In A World Created by Others:
When you live with a disability, you are constantly reminded that the world was not built with your needs in mind. From inaccessible physical spaces to online platforms that lack proper accessibility features, it can feel like society often forgets that people with disabilities exist. Here are some of the challenges I’ve personally faced as a person living with a disability and as a psychotherapist to client’s living with a disability:
1. Physical Barriers:
I can think of countless situations where I’ve been unable to access public spaces or buildings due to the lack of ramps or lifts. The frustration of knowing I couldn’t attend an event or enter a restaurant with friends due to physical barriers was disheartening, often leading to a constant feeling of depression. It confirmed the idea that individuals such as me were not taken into account when creating the planet.
2. Digital Accessibility:
As someone who loves the convenience of online shopping and connecting with others through social media, the internet can be a sanctuary. However, many websites and apps are not designed with accessibility in mind. Alternative text is essential for individuals with visual impairments who use screen readers to navigate the web. Without it, people can miss out on important information because of this. I know people who haven’t been able to independently buy important equipment that they needed because details like the price of the equipment weren’t in the alternative text.
3. Attitudinal Barriers:
Society can not be without opinion and attitude. Attitudes and opinions when it comes to disability can be often prejudicial and discriminatory. For me, the assumptions about what I can and cannot achieve, well-meaning but condescending comments, and dismissive attitudes have all harmed my self-esteem and confidence.
4. Employment Challenges:
One of the key focuses of life, getting a good job is often so much more difficult (often due to the above paragraphs), with uncertainty and feelings of ‘not being safe’ as well as disappointments in not getting a job that I have the qualifications for, and doubts in not being able to go for a job that is somewhat too physical despite being perfect in every other way. This social world really influences a person in regards to future and security (a blog on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs will be written soon).
5. Social Isolation:
Social interactions, which are necessary for our well-being, can often be harder for people living with a disability. No matter what disability a person is experiencing, physical, sensory, neurotypically, trauma based, venues limit a person’s interaction by their inaccessibility and often overstimulated environments. This lack of awareness/care for disabled people in society leads to many of us feeling like an outsider. It’s easy to understand how this can lead to social isolation, amplifying the sense of exclusion, disabling someone beyond their own disability.
6. Supporting A Loved One With A Disability
Being a family member of someone with a disability comes with profound challenges. Stepping into their world, you witness their daily struggles and the barriers they face. You become an accessibility expert, advocating for spaces that accommodate their needs. Your role as an emotional anchor is vital, providing the support and understanding that fuels their journey.
A parallel mission is to encourage their independence. Your mission will be to encourage self-advocacy and build their confidence. It’s an act of love, resilience, and understanding in a world unaccustomed to their needs.
In the midst of providing unwavering support for a loved one with a disability, it’s easy to forget that as a family member, you too require support and, at times, therapy. This role, while immensely rewarding, can also be emotionally and mentally demanding.
Helping Clients To Live With Disability
It’s important to acknowledge the living experience of a person living with a disability, yet it’s also important to explore how a psychotherapist can use their knowledge of the social model of disability to provide more effective support for individuals living with a disability or those living with someone who is disabled. Here are five ways they can do so:
1. Addressing The Emotional Impact:
Living with a disability frequently brings up a slew of difficult emotions. Individuals may experience feelings of frustration, solitude, and, in some cases, sadness as a result of the difficulties they face in an unforgiving world. Psychotherapists who are familiar with the social model of disability can foster a therapy atmosphere in which clients can openly share these feelings. The therapist can help clients to look beyond themselves for answer’s to their problem’s and feelings around them.
Therapists can assist clients in processing and managing these emotions by actively listening and providing compassionate support. They can offer strategies to reframe negative thought patterns, develop resilience, and boost self-esteem. By acknowledging the emotional impact of disability and society, this allows therapists to help clients a bigger picture of what’s happening in their world and voice their needs, helping them have a more positive outlook on life, an increased mental well-being, both ensuring that they are better prepared to face life’s obstacles.
2. Self-Advocacy And Empowerment:
Empowerment is a critical component of the disability social paradigm. Therapists can empower clients by teaching them how to advocate for themselves. Clients can learn to assert themselves, articulate their demands, and negotiate institutions that frequently fail to acknowledge them. Therapists can assist clients become effective self-advocates in the workplace, hospital settings, and in their daily contacts by providing practical tools and approaches.
Therapists empower clients to actively shape their own lives, make educated decisions, and ensure their rights and needs are met by encouraging them towards self-advocacy. This empowerment can result in higher self-esteem and independence.
3. Family And Relationship Dynamics:
Living with a disability can have ramifications not only for the individual, but also for their relationships and family dynamics. Therapists can play an important role in promoting open and honest communication among families. Therapists can assist family members understand and empathise with their loved one’s experiences by addressing the obstacles and special needs of the person with a handicap.
Furthermore, therapists can assist families in adopting successful techniques for supporting their impaired family member. Therapists can assist to more peaceful and supportive interactions within the family unit by fostering understanding and empathy, so minimising potential conflict and stress.
4. Coping Strategies:
Coping with the daily challenges of disability requires specific strategies that address the unique circumstances individuals face. Psychotherapists who are familiar with the social model of disability can assist clients in developing individualised coping techniques. These strategies might involve addressing societal prejudices, dealing with accessibility issues, or managing health-related concerns.
Therapists can provide clients with a toolkit of coping mechanisms, including stress management and emotional control techniques, as well as problem-solving abilities. These strategies empower clients to tackle adversity with confidence and resilience, ultimately improving their quality of life.
5. Support Systems:
Therapists play an important role in educating clients about the available support systems and advocacy opportunities in their communities. Clients can benefit from understanding their legal rights, discovering disability-specific organizations, and gaining access to local resources aimed to improve their well-being.
Therapists can guide clients in building a network of social support, helping them connect with peer groups, community resources, and individuals who have shared experiences. By equipping clients with knowledge about advocacy and support systems, therapists empower them to navigate the world more effectively, improving their access to opportunities and services tailored to their needs.
Conclusion:
Living with a disability in a world that was predominantly designed by and for people with able bodies has been my personal journey. The social model of disability has shifted my perspective, helping me understand that the primary barriers to inclusion and participation are societal, not personal. It is crucial for all of us to continue advocating for accessibility, understanding, and inclusivity so that individuals with disabilities can live in a world where their needs and rights are fully recognized and respected.
Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all, where nobody feels like a stranger in a world that should be open and welcoming to everyone.
There is plenty of work to do in regards to the social model of disability.
Other models of disability while be discussed in future blogs, like:
The Medical Model,
Charity Model,
Psychosocial Model,
Minority Model,
Biopsychosocial Model,
Human Rights Model,
Rehabilitation Model,
& The Positive Psychology Model.
