Three disability models

It’s the World Day of Social Justice on Thursday (20th February) and it reminds us of the urgent need to build a fairer, more equitable world - one where barriers to employment, inclusion, and opportunity are dismantled. But when we talk about social justice, are we applying the same lens to disability and neurodiversity?

This week’s newsletter includes:

• Info: Three models of disability

• Tips: Reframing disability in your workplace

• Recommendations: Two podcast series to explore about intersectionality

1. Three models of disability

Too often, the way society understands disability remains stuck in outdated frameworks that position disabled people as “broken” or “lacking” rather than considering the barriers created by society itself. The way we frame disability matters - because the stories we tell, the language we use, the context we apply and the lens through which we view things shape the policies we make, the cultures we build, and the way individuals experience the world.

This week, let’s explore three key models of disability - and how shifting our perspective can move us towards a more just and inclusive society.

The medical model of disability
The medical model views disability as an individual’s problem - something to be diagnosed, treated, or cured. It places the focus on what a person can’t do rather than what they could do with the right environment, adjustments and support.

🔹 Example: A neurodivergent employee struggles with sensory overload in an open-plan office. Under the medical model, the issue lies with them, rather than the environment that is inaccessible.

The social model of disability
The social model shifts the focus from the individual to society’s barriers. It argues that disability is created by a world that fails to accommodate diverse needs. Instead of trying to “fix” individuals, we should fix the environment, systems, and attitudes that exclude them.

🔹 Example: Instead of asking a neurodivergent employee to “cope” with an overwhelming office, an employer using the social model redesigns the workspace - offering flexible seating, noise-reducing options, or remote work.

The disability justice framework
Whilst the shift from the individual medical model to the social model was a revolutionary one, it was still limited by seeing disability as a singular issue. The disability justice framework, developed by disabled activists of colour, goes further. It highlights that not all disabilities are treated equally - and that factors like racism, classism, and gender inequality shape how disability is experienced.

🔹 Example: Two employees with ADHD may have very different experiences in the workplace based on gender, race, or socioeconomic background. Disability justice asks: Who is left out of the conversation? Who faces additional barriers?

This model is about collective liberation - understanding that we must dismantle multiple, interconnected systems of oppression to create true justice.

2. Reframing disability in your workplace

If we want to build more neuroinclusive, accessible workplaces, we need to rethink how we talk about and address disability.

✅ Move beyond “fixing” individuals. Instead of expecting neurodivergent employees to “mask” or “adapt,” ask: What barriers exist in our environment and how can we remove them to make it more inclusive?

✅ Recognise hidden barriers. Many accessibility issues are invisible - from sensory overload to executive dysfunction. Create spaces where employees feel safe disclosing their needs without fear of judgment (if they would like to).

✅ Adopt a justice mindset. Consider whose voices are missing in discussions about accessibility. Are your policies designed with all disabled employees in mind - including those from marginalised backgrounds?

3. Recommendations

To learn more, check out these two podcast series.

Kaleidoscope : a podcast hosted by Differing Minds, sharing raw, powerful stories about race, intersectionality and neurodiversity

Labels and legacies - Embracing intersectionality with Atif Choudhury: a podcast hosted by Atif Choudhury diving into the true meaning of intersectionality in the workplace.

World Day of Social Justice reminds us that justice isn’t just about talking the talk - it’s about real change.

When we reframe disability through the social model and disability justice lens, we stop seeing it as a “problem to solve” and start seeing it as a call to action - to build a society where everyone thrives.

Speak soon,

Jess

PS Whenever you’re ready, here are some ways I can help:

• To book a neurodiversity talk, head here. I’m booking now for Neurodiversity Celebration Week - w/c 17th March - get in touch to avoid disappointment.

• Book a FREE Discovery call to chat through how I can support your workplace, your school or your family.

• Join the waitlist for our next NeuroNavigator programme and become a certified Neurodiversity Champion.