User:Imleoo1/sandbox

Critical disability theory (CDT) was inspired by a variety of social movements like Women’s Rights Movements and theories, such as critical race theory, feminist theory, and queer theory. These smaller, identity subsets of general critical theory address concerns relating to specific minority groups (Hosking 2008). Identity jurisprudences, like critical race theory, also contribute to CDT’s foundation as critical legal studies frequently failed to address needs of oppressed minorities. CDT combines legal theories with identity theories creating a solid framework that connects theories from different disciplines. CDT addresses seven factors that counter ineffective disability policies. These include: choice of model, multidimensionality, diversity, rights, voices, language, and transformative politics (Hosking 2008:5). Each element addresses its own concept that attempts to address problems faced by this population and society’s role in creating and exacerbating such problems. Choice of model CDT accepts that disability is both socially constructed and biological. This model, or approach, is called the “biopsychosocial model” by the World Health Organization (7) as it combines both the medical and the social models of disability. Combining the models allows for a more inclusive approach to disability that acknowledges that disability is both medical in nature and socially created and both must be addressed for progress (Meekosha and Shuttleworth 2009). Multidimensionality/Diversity/Voices Multidimensionality is the result of combining the concepts of intersectionality and hybrid intersectionality (Hosking 2008). CDT acknowledges that a person can experience two separate forms of oppression; but can also experience subordination and domination at the same time. The element of diversity is also addressed with CDT by challenging the urge to categorize people based on diagnosis and places value on personal experiences, not labels (Hosking 2008). It acknowledges invisible disabilities, such as dyslexia, and addresses the risks associated with openly identifying as disabled (Devlin and Pothier 2006). People with disabilities have a particularly hard time with having their voices heard (Hosking 2008). This could be due to the nature of the disability or due to limited access and knowledge of resources or the lack of and disorganization of self-advocate movements (Ward and Meyers 1999). CDT acknowledges the historical marginalization faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and encourages researchers and service agencies to create space for their voices to be heard and prioritized. Rights/Language/Politics CDT considers that all people are independent and interdependent creatures and that this understanding will help protect those who are more vulnerable than others. CDT also draws attention to how the language used to label and portray individuals with disability has a direct reflection on their status. Finally, CDT highlights how the law is written differs from how it is carried out in practice.