Discover key disability models in critical research, including medical, social, and human rights perspectives. Gain insights for disability studies.
Discover key disability models in critical research, including medical, social, and human rights perspectives. Gain insights for disability studies.
This course introduces learners to key models of disability that form the foundation of critical disability research. Participants will explore the medical, tragedy, social, cultural, and human rights models of disability, understanding their evolution and interplay. The course provides valuable insights for those studying disability studies or working with people with disabilities, offering new perspectives on how disability interfaces with society.
Instructors:
English
English
What you'll learn
Understand the medical model of disability and its implications
Explore the tragedy model of disability and its societal impact
Analyze the social model of disability and its role in advocacy
Investigate the cultural model of disability and its influence on perceptions
Examine the human rights model of disability and its legal framework
Gain insights into critical disability studies and its interdisciplinary approach
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
Live video
Graded assignments, Exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
Shareable certificate
Closed caption
Get a Completion Certificate
Share your certificate with prospective employers and your professional network on LinkedIn.
Created by
Provided by

Top companies offer this course to their employees
Top companies provide this course to enhance their employees' skills, ensuring they excel in handling complex projects and drive organizational success.





There are 6 modules in this course
This course explores various models of disability that are foundational to critical disability research and the broader disability studies discipline. Over six weeks, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the main disability models and their interactions. The course covers the medical model, tragedy model, social model, cultural model, and human rights model of disability. It concludes with an introduction to critical disability studies. This knowledge provides new perspectives on how disability interfaces with society and serves as essential background for further study in disability studies or for those working with people with disabilities.
The medical model of disability
Module 1
The tragedy model of disability
Module 2
The social model of disability
Module 3
The cultural model of disability
Module 4
The human rights model of disability
Module 5
Critical disability studies
Module 6
Fee Structure
Instructors

4 Courses
Digital Media Accessibility Expert and Disability Studies Scholar
Dr. Katie Ellis serves as Professor in Internet Studies and Director of the Centre for Culture and Technology at Curtin University. Through her Coursera courses in digital accessibility and media studies, she helps students understand the intersection of disability rights and digital technology. Her research focuses on media access and representation for people with disabilities, working closely with government, industry, and community stakeholders to create practical benefits. As author or editor of 18 books, including "Disability and Digital Television Cultures" (2019) and "The Routledge Companion to Disability and Media," she has significantly shaped the field of disability media studies

4 Courses
Digital Media Expert and Disability Studies Scholar
Dr. Mike Kent serves as Professor and Head of the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry at Curtin University. Through his Coursera courses in digital media and disability studies, he helps students understand the intersection of technology, accessibility, and social inclusion. His research focuses on three overlapping areas: digital and social media, disability studies, and eLearning, with his most cited work "Disability and New Media" (2011) garnering over 450 citations. As co-author of influential books including "Gaming Disability: Disability Perspectives on Contemporary Video Games" (2023) and the forthcoming "Routledge Handbook of Critical Disability Studies," he continues to shape discourse in disability media studies. His expertise spans higher education technology, online learning accessibility, and social media platforms. His current research examines disability perspectives in contemporary video games and surveillance issues in digital spaces, while maintaining active involvement in both academic publishing and advocacy for disability rights in digital environments. His teaching methodology emphasizes practical applications of theoretical frameworks in digital accessibility and inclusive design.
Testimonials
Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.