Which statement about the Social Model of Disability is true?

• A. It views disability as a medical issue
• B. It emphasizes removing environmental barriers to participation
• C. It requires ramps in all buildings
• D. It ignores accessibility in real-world settings

Answer: (B)

Disability in the social model comes from barriers created by society—physical obstacles, inaccessible systems, discriminatory attitudes, and policies that limit participation—not from the impairment itself. The statement that best reflects this view is that removing environmental barriers to participation is essential. This means focusing on accessible design, inclusive policies, and changes in attitudes so people with diverse abilities can participate fully in everyday life. The other options fit more with the medical model (seeing disability as a problem inside the person), point to a single fix rather than broad change (like requiring ramps everywhere), or imply accessibility isn’t considered—both of which conflict with the social model’s emphasis on removing barriers.