Disability Beyond Diagnosis: A Visual Reflection on Critical Disability Studies By Lakshita Kajla

Disability Beyond Diagnosis: A Visual Reflection on Critical Disability Studies By Lakshita Kajla

“Disability is not the problem. Inaccessibility is."

The Medical Model

"How disability is usually seen"

Disability is often understood through the medical model, where the focus is placed on diagnosis, treatment, and fixing the individual. People are viewed through labels rather than experiences. This approach ignores the social barriers that disabled individuals face every day, such as inaccessible environments, stigma, and discrimination.

The Social Model

Disability and society

Critical Disability Studies challenges the idea that disability exists only within the body or mind. The social model argues that people are disabled by inaccessible systems and environments. 

Examples include:

• buildings without ramps
• lack of accommodations 
• exclusion in education and workplaces
• social stigma

The issue is not simply impairment, but the barriers created by society.

 Learning and Awareness

Learning about different needs helps us be more thoughtful. Everyone wants to feel included, and we can all help by being respectful and understanding.

• Learn about different abilities
• Respect each person’s needs
• Include everyone in activities

Disability in Indian Contexts

In India, many disabled individuals continue to face exclusion due to lack of accessibility, social stigma, and unequal opportunities. Although policies for inclusion exist, accessibility is often limited in practice. Disability is also connected with class, gender, caste, and economic inequality. Critical Disability Studies encourages society to move beyond sympathy and towards rights, inclusion, and accessibility.

Personal Reflection

This course changed my understanding of disability. Previously, I mostly viewed disability through diagnosis and clinical perspectives. However, Critical Disability Studies helped me understand how society itself creates barriers
through attitudes, systems, and inaccessibility. The course made me reflect on the importance of inclusion, representation, and accessibility in everyday life.

Final Thoughts

An inclusive society benefits everyone.

Critical Disabiltiy Studies shifts the foxua from "fixing" individuals to transforming society,

Accessibility, inclusion, and reprsentation should not be treated as special accommodations but as basic rights.