THE PATIENT NEEDS FIXING: UNDERSTANDING THE MEDICAL VIEW OF DISABILITY

Resource #
SET • PNFR414W

Price $149.95

Program Contents: Facilitator's handbook, Audio CD with spoken orientation, Step-by-step workshop outline, 8 minute DVD and discussion guide, Disability history cards, Participatory activities, Role-play exercises, Overheads and masters .

Captioning: None

Copyright Date: 2004

The medical/professional view sees disability as a physical problem that needs to be fixed by experts. People with disabilities are labeled as patients, broken, sick, or as objects to be studied. Disability is something to be overcome, to be improved on through the action of experts. This view gives the power to experts: they make the decisions, they are in control.

This program explores the 1000-year history and continuing influence of the medical/professional view of disability. Participants build skills to notice this viewpoint in their lives, to name its power and negative influence, and to practice confronting and responding to it.

Through discussion, video, role plays, and history cards, your group will learn to recognize and address this view in everyday situations: schools, hospitals, social service settings, and home life. Participants also discuss replacing the ill effects of this view with dignity, empowerment, and social change.