Disability can have a number of meanings.
For example, if disabled people wish to access help from a government body such as social services or the Department of Work and Pensions, what is regarded as disability is defined by law. This is the traditional or medical definition.
TIRC’s Social Model view is that the individual who has an impairment or a condition is disabled by the way society is organised. This creates physical, organisational and attitudinal barriers that prevent a person getting to and making use of the services they require or being able to make ordinary choices in life. It is these barriers that disable them.
TIRC believes that someone without a diagnosed medical condition or impairment may regard themselves as disabled or may find themselves in a disabling situation because they are not able to access information, activities or support without help to overcome the barriers in their way. TIRC aims to provide that help!
