Editing Medical model of disability (section)

{{Criticism section|date=October 2023}}

{{Short description|Biomedical view of human disability}}
{{Disability|theory}}
{{Discrimination sidebar|Related}}

The '''medical model of disability''', or '''medical model''', is based in a biomedical perception of [[disability]]. This model links a disability diagnosis to an individual's physical body. The model supposes that a disability may reduce the individual's [[quality of life]] and aims to correct or diminish the disability with medical intervention.<ref name="FisherGoodley">{{cite journal|last1=Fisher|first1=Pamela|last2=Goodley|first2=Dan|title=The linear medical model of disability: mothers of disabled babies resist with counter-narratives|journal=Sociology of Health & Illness|date=January 2007|volume=29|issue=1|pages=66–81|doi=10.1111/j.1467-9566.2007.00518.x|pmid=17286706|doi-access=free}}</ref> It is often contrasted with the [[social model of disability]].

The medical model focuses on curing or managing illness or disability. By extension, the medical model supposes a compassionate or [[justice|just]] society invests resources in health care and related services in an attempt to cure or manage disabilities ''medically''. This is in an aim to expand or improve functioning, and to allow disabled people to lead a more "normal" life. The medical profession's responsibility and potential in this area is seen as central.