Original Research

Models of disability: A brief overview

Marno Retief, Rantoa Letšosa
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 74, No 1 | a4738 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v74i1.4738 | © 2018 | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 18 July 2017 | Published: 06 March 2018

About the author(s)

Marno Retief, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, South Africa
Rantoa Letšosa, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, South Africa

Abstract

Critical reflection on the importance of shaping disability-friendly – or disability-inclusive – congregations has enjoyed increasing attention in the field of practical theology in recent years. Moreover, the development of disability theology is a testament to the fact that practical theologians and the wider church community have taken serious notice of the realities and experiences of people with disabilities in our time. Nevertheless, even before the task of engaging in theological reflection from a disability perspective commences, it is necessary that theologians acquaint themselves with the various models of disability that shape people’s perceptions and ideas about people with disabilities. Guided by the principles of the interpretive task of practical theological investigation and cognizant of the importance of models of disability in shaping perceptions regarding people with disabilities, this article seeks to provide a brief overview of nine of the most dominant models of disability that are prevalent in our time. We shall utilise the typological approach to theoretical analysis in order to outline the basic characteristics of the various models.

Keywords

Disability; Models; Theology

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Crossref Citations

1. Social Inclusion Among People with Mobility Limitations: Theorizing Disability Regimes in the Global South
Shane D. Burns, David F. Warner
Studies in Comparative International Development  vol: 58  issue: 3  first page: 369  year: 2023  
doi: 10.1007/s12116-023-09401-3