FUNCTIONAL MODEL

 Introduction

            Models of disability are tools for defining impairment and ultimately for providing a basis upon which government and society can devise strategies for meeting the needs of the disabled people. Models are influenced by two fundamental philosophies. The first sees, disabled people as dependent upon society. The second perceives disabled people as customers of what society has to offer.  

What is Functional or Economic Model

            The functional model defines “disability by a person’s inability to participate in work.”

            It limits the functioning or the ability to perform functional activities.

            It also assesses the degree to which impairment affects an individual’s productivity and the economic consequences for the individual, employer and the state.    

Economic Model: Disability as a Challenge to Productivity

            The economic model of disability approaches disability from the view point of economic analysis, ‘focusing on the various disabling effects of an  impairment on a person’s capabilities and in particular on labour and employment capabilities.’  

                        The economic model is used primarily by policy makers to assess distribution of benefits to those who are unable to participate fully in work.

Drawbacks of Economic Model of Disability

1.     The challenge facing the economic model is how to justify and support, in purely economic terms, a socially desirable policy of increasing participation in employment.

2.     The private entrepreneurs refuse to provide jobs for the disabled for the reason that their production capacity is low.

3.     The employers pay disabled employees less or have the losses met through subsidy.

4.     Question is raised whether the social contribution of the disabled could be measured by their economic contributions, ie. this model did not specify the rehabilitative measures in their job.

5.     This mode finds it difficult to determine one’s disability.  Those who have lost their legs are considered disabled and as such they are unable to go to workplace and perform the job. However, in the present day technology driven world, one could earn his livelihood by performing his job from his home using the internet and computer technology; but he cannot involve himself fully in social activities.

Conclusion

            Economic or functional disability model exhibits the factors which denied the disabled persons from accessing to job and employment. Thus, to realize the problems faced by disabled people in getting jobs. And also it helps us to make   proper provisions for the economic productivity of the disabled persons by means of establishing various laws and job policies.

Bibliography

Nagarajan, K. , & Gnanam, D. (2016). Creating  an inclusive school. Chennai : Sriram                               

            Publishers.

Adivoo, K., &  Esther, K. (2016). Creating   an inclusive school. Madurai: Shanlax

            Publications.

Wehmayer, M.L. (1997). Functional model of disability. Retrieved from : https://

            www.researchgate.com.