Social Model of Disability
Within NUS we subscribe to the Social Model of Disability, which maintains that society and attitudes are the problem, and that the problem does not lie with the disabled. A high priority for NUS is the campaign to ensure that the Social Model is universally accepted.
The key effect of the stigmas and attitudinal problems attached to disability is a lack of involvement of students with disabilities in student life and students’ unions. As a strong supporter of the Social Model of disability, the NUS SWD Campaign believes that it is the fault of society and institutions that disabled people are oppressed. As such, we believe that the burden of action falls upon students’ unions in increasing students with disabilities’ involvement in their union.
Traditionally, disability issues have been dealt with using the 'Medical Model of Disability'. We are promoting the Social model instead: a forward thinking, enabling set of ideas.
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