Meera Modi - Guest post #7

Deafness is something that is quite popular to study; there are several universities in Britain which offer Deaf Studiescourses.

Deafness can be classified into models, according to how they are viewed, but which one you choose is up to you!

The social model of disability
In this model, society is what disables the deaf. Our society doesn't provide equal access for disabled people. Access can be physical for example; no ramps for buildings (for wheelchair users or people with mobility problems), no visual displays or information message boards (for deaf or hard of hearing people). The list is endless! D/deaf people can live normal lives with access through visual information, technology and interpreters.

The medical model
According to this model, disabled people themselves are seen as the problem. They are expected to fit into the world as it is; the medical model looks to cure disability and sees deafness as an 'illness' that must be treated.

The cultural model
This way of looking at deafness views deafness as a separate linguistic and cultural minority; deaf people who identify with this group do not consider themselves disabled in that culture.

Which one do I choose? I don't know, I've never really thought about it! Really, I just think, "I am Meera"! I use sign language with my friends and speech with my family. Do I see myself as 'disabled'? I suppose so, but it's a natural part of me - I am so used to being me, that I have never really thought "I am disabled". I recognise that I have barriers to overcome, but all people do at the end of the day. That could come from their religion, ethnicity, gender, age, money status, anything. No one has a truly easy life.