Social model of disability and the DDA

In 1983, I began my studies at Derby School of Occupational Therapy. At that time, I had limited understanding or personal experience with, disabled people. Our college curriculum was primarily centred on the medical model of disability, focusing on physical, psychological, and cognitive 'deficits' that individuals might experience and how to use compensatory and adaptive ways to support occupational engagement for our clients.

In the early 1990s, while I was working in social services in London, I became acutely aware of the ongoing political struggle that disabled people faced. It was evident that they were constantly battling to reduce the discrimination they encountered on a daily basis. My manager at the time gave me with a copy of Michael Oliver’s influential book, Politics of Disablement. This book introduced me to the social model of disability, which profoundly changed my perspective.

Reading Oliver’s work prompted a significant shift in my thinking. I began to reflect more deeply on the barriers that society constructs—barriers that restrict inclusion and prevent disabled people from fully participating in everyday life. This experience was transformative, shaping my understanding of the challenges faced by disabled people and the importance of addressing societal obstacles to inclusion.

When the Disability Discrimination Act came onto into force in autumn 1995, I felt a genuine sense of excitement about the potential changes it would bring. My hope was that it would pave the way for disabled individuals to take part fully in all aspects of society.

The Act set out a clear definition of disability and offered protection against discrimination in several important areas, including employment, education, transport and the provision of goods, at the time I felt it sent a powerful and unequivocal message that a person with a disability should not be treated less favourably than any other person.

As I reflect on the present day, I find myself questioning how disabled people feel in 2025. Unfortunately, the reality remains that disabled individuals continue to encounter discrimination on a daily basis.

One of the most persistent issues is the design of our built environments. Despite advances in many areas, newly constructed homes are still developed without consideration for the needs of disabled people. This lack of foresight perpetuates barriers and restricts access to suitable homes.

There continues to be ongoing failure of services to make reasonable adjustments that would allow disabled people to access and use a range of public spaces and venues. These include restaurants, trains, music venues, and many other facilities. The term ‘public transport’ is intended to imply accessibility for all, yet in practice, it is still not truly accessible to every member of the public.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) marked an important first step in addressing inequality and promoting inclusion within our society. It laid the foundation for recognising and tackling discrimination faced by disabled individuals.

However, while the DDA was a positive beginning, it is not enough as a society, we must strive to do better by actively confronting discrimination whenever and wherever we witness or experience it, to support a truly fair and equal environment for everyone.

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This is the seventh in a series of Housing LIN guest blogs leading up to the 30th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act. The series will end in an extended HAPPI Hour webinar on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, where contributors will share expert insights and assess progress on disability, accessible housing, and the built environment.

If you found Kate’s blog of interest, visit the Housing LIN’s dedicated webpages on adaptations and the role of occupational therapists in housing design.