Social model of disability: review of disability models and surveys

The literature review was conducted as part of the first phase of research to develop and test survey questions that reflect the social model of disability.

It found 3 main models of disability - medical model, social model, and biopsychosocial model. Over time, there has been a move away from medical aspects and towards more social factors. The models influence survey design in different ways, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Case studies highlighted UK and international questions and surveys that currently capture information related to disabled people. Of the examples found, none solely used the social model of disability and only a few had questions about societal barriers that disabled people experience. Even those that stated they used the social model, better reflected the biopsychosocial model of disability.

The findings suggests that new survey questions should include societal barriers, appropriate language and terminology, and strike a balance between brevity and the depth of data collected.