The Disability Inclusion Model: No to Shame

Abstract

The disability inclusion model aims to dismantle the discrimination faced by people because they have a diagnosis or record of mental illness, and to open up new opportunities. It does not matter where the discrimination occurs: in the legal system, the hospital ward, the boss’s office or the TV studio. The constructions of user/survivors as morally tainted, dangerous, to be feared and segregated, have to be replaced and the discriminatory behaviour of employers, judges and ‘nimby’ campaigners curbed. The aim is citizenship inclusion, on a fair basis with all other citizens — and fairness for would-be citizens, who should not be barred from immigration on the grounds of mental disorder. This would change user/survivors’ lived experience — people’s income, opportunities and legal rights — rather than only, as in the ‘brain disease’ and ‘individual growth’ models, making it easier for people to seek help. The paternalistic notion that all disabled people need is ‘services’ to ‘help’ them has to be replaced by a broader view of people’s aspirations and potential.