Impairment-centered

Impairment-centered describes an approach, philosophy, or perspective that primarily focuses on the physical or cognitive limitations caused by a disability, often emphasizing the challenges and difficulties faced by individuals due to their impairment. It contrasts with approaches that consider social, environmental, and attitudinal factors that influence disability. This viewpoint tends to prioritize medical interventions, therapies, and support services to alleviate the impairment's impact, potentially overlooking broader societal issues. It can inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes and limit opportunities if not balanced with a more holistic understanding of disability.

Impairment-centered meaning with examples

• The school's curriculum was criticized as being impairment-centered, focusing solely on the specific learning difficulties of students with dyslexia without addressing the inclusive classroom environment that could help all students. Resources were allocated primarily to specialized tutoring, neglecting the benefits of universal design principles. This approach neglected the significant impact of societal factors, such as teacher training on the wider impact of inclusive learning on students with or without learning disabilities.
• Many healthcare systems exhibit an impairment-centered model, prioritizing the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying medical condition associated with a disability. For instance, physical therapy is focused on regaining mobility after a stroke, while less attention is given to adjusting the home environment or modifying work tasks to enable independent living. The model often struggles to address quality-of-life improvements that include environmental adaptations and accessible societal constructs.
• In employment practices, an impairment-centered hiring process may place undue emphasis on an applicant's perceived limitations stemming from their disability, potentially discriminating against qualified individuals. The focus is on what the person *cannot* do, rather than the applicant’s skills, experience, and abilities. Such biases could create a narrow viewpoint within the interview process. This narrow viewpoint, along with implicit biases, can prevent qualified people from finding work they excel at.
• Advocates for disability rights argue that an impairment-centered approach often overlooks the systemic barriers that contribute to disability. For example, they say accessibility limitations in public transportation and buildings often amplify the effects of mobility impairments, creating the need for broad environmental change. This approach often fails to account for societal attitudes and discrimination that can limit opportunities for education, employment, and social participation and create undue negative stereotypes.