Models of disability : a brief overview

• Published in: Hervormde teologiese studies Vol. 74; no. 1; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Letšosa, Rantoa, Retief, Marno
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pretoria AOSIS 2018; African Online Scientific Information Systems (Pty) Ltd t/a AOSIS; AOSIS (Pty) Ltd; Reformed Theological College of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Pretoria and Society for Practical Theology in South Africa
• Subjects: Analysis; Christianity; Disabilities; Disability; Disability studies; Disabled persons; Health aspects; Learning disabilities; Morality; Mysticism; People with disabilities; Practical theology; Religion; Religious aspects; Religious gatherings; Religious studies; Sin; Social aspects; Spirituality; Theology; New York; United States > US
• ISSN: 0259-9422; 2072-8050; 2072-8050
• DOI: 10.4102/hts.v74i1.4738

Critical reflection on the importance of shaping disability-friendly – or disability-inclusive – congregations has enjoyed increasing attention in the field of practical theology in recent years. Moreover, the development of disability theology is a testament to the fact that practical theologians and the wider church community have taken serious notice of the realities and experiences of people with disabilities in our time. Nevertheless, even before the task of engaging in theological reflection from a disability perspective commences, it is necessary that theologians acquaint themselves with the various models of disability that shape people’s perceptions and ideas about people with disabilities. Guided by the principles of the interpretive task of practical theological investigation and cognizant of the importance of models of disability in shaping perceptions regarding people with disabilities, this article seeks to provide a brief overview of nine of the most dominant models of disability that are prevalent in our time. We shall utilise the typological approach to theoretical analysis in order to outline the basic characteristics of the various models.