CPACC Study Notes: Pages 1-9 (Domain 1: Sections A & B)

1. Theoretical Models of Disability

The exam will ask you to differentiate between these models. Focus on the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Study Tips for these Pages:

• The "Why": Why do we care about the models? The exam wants to see if you can identify which model is being applied in a scenario (e.g., "A building with no ramp is a social model failure").
• The WHO Framework: Know that the ICF (International Classification of Functioning) is based on the Biopsychosocial Model.
• Temporary vs. Situational: Remember that accessibility helps more than the 15% - it helps people with temporary (broken arm) or situational (holding a baby) limitations.

Medical Model

• Definition: Disability is a physical or mental impairment of the individual.
• Focus: "Fixing" the person or curing the medically manage the condition.
• Weakness: Overlooks environmental or social factors; can lead to low expectations.

Social Model

• Definition: Disability is caused by the way society is organized, rather than by a person's impairment.
• Focus: Removing barriers (physical, attitudinal, or systemic).
• Strength: Empowers individuals and shifts responsibility to society.
• Weakness: May downplay the personal reality of pain or the need for medical intervention.

Biopsychosocial Model

• Definition: A compromise between medical and social.
• Focus: Recognizes that disability is an interaction between biological, individual, and social factors. Used by the WHO (ICF).

Economic Model

• Definition: Disability is defined by a person's inability to work or their loss of productivity.
• Focus: Impact on the economy and the need for support/benefits.

Functional Solutions Model

• Definition: A practical approach identifying the limitation and finding a tool to solve it.
• Focus: Assistive technology and design "workarounds."

Charity / Tragedy Model

• Definition: Views people with disabilities as victims or objects of pity.
• Focus: Relies on the benevolence of others rather than rights.
• Weakness: Demeaning and strips individuals of agency.

Social Identity / Cultural Affiliation Model

• Definition: Disability as a shared group identity (e.g., Deaf Culture).
• Focus: Acceptance and pride in a minority group status.

2. Disability Statistics & Demographics

IAAP frequently tests these specific numbers. Memorize these:

• Global Prevalence: Approximately 15% of the world's population (over 1 billion people) has a disability.
• Leading Causes: Chronic diseases, injuries, and aging.
• Aging Population: By 2050, the number of people aged 60+ is expected to double to 2 billion.
• Poverty Cycle: People with disabilities are disproportionately represented among the world's poor.
• Employment: Employment rates for PWDs (People with Disabilities) are significantly lower than for people without disabilities across all countries.

3. Key Concepts & Definitions

• Impairment: Loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure/function (individual level). Many people find being labelled 'impaired' offensive and inaccurate.
• Disability: The umbrella term for impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.
• Handicap: The disadvantage resulting from an impairment or disability (social/environmental level). Note: This term is increasingly outdated but often used in historical context within the BoK.

4. Etiquette & Language

• Person-First Language: "Person with a disability" (Standard for UN/CRPD).
• Identity-First Language: "Disabled person" (Common in Deaf and Autistic communities).
• IAAP Stance: The BoK acknowledges both and advises using the preference of the individual.