Which model views the child as a unique individual and focuses on strengths and needs?

Which model views the child as a unique individual and focuses on strengths and needs?

• A. Inclusive education
• B. Behavioral model
• C. Social model
• D. Medical model

Answer: (C)

The social model focuses on the person as an individual and on making participation possible by recognizing and building on what they can do. It sees disability as created by barriers in society and the environment, so supports prioritize removing those barriers and tailoring the setting to fit the child’s strengths and needs. This approach treats the learner as a unique individual, not defined by a deficit, and emphasizes inclusion and meaningful engagement. For example, instead of viewing a child who communicates differently as having a impairment to be fixed, the social model would support accessible communication tools, inclusive classroom practices, and opportunities that play to the child’s strengths (like problem-solving or visual skills) so they can participate fully. In contrast, the medical model centers on the impairment itself and seeks diagnosis and treatment, often focusing on deficits. The behavioral model concentrates on changing observable behaviors through reinforcement. Inclusive education is a practice aimed at integrating students into regular classrooms, but the social model best captures the idea of valuing the individual and removing environmental barriers to support strengths and needs.

The social model focuses on the person as an individual and on making participation possible by recognizing and building on what they can do. It sees disability as created by barriers in society and the environment, so supports prioritize removing those barriers and tailoring the setting to fit the child’s strengths and needs. This approach treats the learner as a unique individual, not defined by a deficit, and emphasizes inclusion and meaningful engagement.

For example, instead of viewing a child who communicates differently as having a impairment to be fixed, the social model would support accessible communication tools, inclusive classroom practices, and opportunities that play to the child’s strengths (like problem-solving or visual skills) so they can participate fully.

In contrast, the medical model centers on the impairment itself and seeks diagnosis and treatment, often focusing on deficits. The behavioral model concentrates on changing observable behaviors through reinforcement. Inclusive education is a practice aimed at integrating students into regular classrooms, but the social model best captures the idea of valuing the individual and removing environmental barriers to support strengths and needs.