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Office Hours:
258 Kirby Student Center
Mon - Fri 7:45 am - 4:30 pm
Phone: 218-726-6130
UMD OneStop For
A New Perspective on Disability:
Civil Rights VS. the Medical (or Special Ed) Model
Some students come to college embarrassed about having a disability. The want to forget having been in special education. They are tired of being labeled, of being seen as "different".
These students just want to make a fresh start. They want to be "normal"! If this describes you, keep reading. In this new model, disability is part of "normal".
Carol J. Gill at the Chicago Institute of Disability Research has defined two distinct models of disability. Most K-12 Special Education programs follow the older medical model. At UMD, we embrace the new Interactional Model (also referred to as the Socio/Political Model). We believe that the Interactional Model gives students independence and dignity in using their accommodations.
| Medical Model (old) | Interactional Model (new) |
|---|---|
Disability is a deficiency or abnormality. |
Disability is a difference. |
| Being disabled is negative. | Being disabled is, in itself, neutral. |
| Disability resides in the individual. | Disability derives from the interaction between the individual and society. |
| The remedy for disability-related problems is to cure or normalize the individual. | The remedy for disability-related problems is a change in the interaction between the individual and society. |
| The agent of remedy is the professional. | The agent of remedy is the individual, an advocate, or anyone who affects the arrangements between the individual and society. |
How does this model play out at UMD?
YOU, the student, are in the driver's seat. You make it happen! You must meet with a disability specialist, tell us what you need, and if it's reasonable and appropriate, we will facilitate your accommodations. Specifically you must:
- Let us know you are here and need some accommodations.
- Provide documentation of your disability
- Be able to discuss how your disability affects you in the University
- Print out your Letter of Accommodation and meet with your professors
- Give us some lead time to get your accommodations in place.
- Follow published policies and procedures
Role of Disability Resources
Disability Resources will help you get the accommodations they need for access to the University. If you are an otherwise qualified and admitted UMD student, this is one of your civil rights. Specifically, DR:
- Meets with students to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodations
- Collects and maintains disability-related documents
- Certifies the student's eligibility for services
- Informs students about obtaining accommodations
- Facilitates provision of some accommodations