Understanding Disability: From Theory to Practice By Michael Oliver

For my reading, I was assigned a book by Michael Oliver titled Understanding Disability: From Theory to Practice. Michael Oliver had a spinal injury from a swimming accident in 1962 giving him insight into both worlds as a walker and non-walker, which are two terms he uses throughout the book to refer to people with and without disabilities.  One interesting thing about the author is that, he is gay as well physically disable, so he deals with a lot of discriminative social issues in his life, giving a unique perspective on the subject.

When the general public defines disability, they say it’s "a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses or activities."  But in terms of my reading and taking equality into consideration, we are looking at that definition as the route of the problem and redefining it as the "social effects of physical and mental impairment."  Some examples of these social issues include, stairways that don't include ramps and bigger font for the visually impaired.

In the reading, Oliver looks at a disability model and identifies the pros and cons of each.  The Individual/Medical Model recognizes the disability first and sees people with disabilities as sick or in need of a cure.  Whereas, the social model recognizes that some people have physical or psychological differences, which may affect the means, by which they function. 

The Social Model takes on the perception of someone who is physically disabled.  It recognizes that people are disabled due to barriers that exist.  It should not invoke pity or the need to be taken care of.  Oliver uses the 'The Social Model' as a starting point in reframing how society views disability.  Disabled people should be allowed to enjoy the same freedoms and choices as those who are not considered disabled. 

This book was an important read as it truly underlines the issues disabled people face on a regular basis.  Oliver also talks about social and political movements that have taken place in an effort to raise awareness and equality throughout the world.

In Conclusion, Michael Oliver ends with a quote by author and anthropologist Carlos Castaneda. “We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong.  The amount of work is the same." Meaning we can either build an exclusive society or an inclusive one.  The understanding of disability is crucial in developing an inclusive one.