Why the Affirmation Model is Important for Social Work Practice

Colin Cameron*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

In this chapter I shall explore why unexamined terms such as ‘people with disabilities’ are parts of a discourse which identifies disability as a personal problem rather than as a structural issue, and why they are at odds with thinking in the disabled people’s movement. I shall consider the disability definition in the UK 2010 Equality Act and explain why this establishes in law a way of looking and thinking which makes it difficult to think about disability other than as unfortunate individual limitation. I shall consider the affirmation model, an idea that has emerged from the creative practice of the disability arts movement, which offers a way of understanding disability rooted in ideas of pride and respect. I shall conclude by reflecting on the affirmation model in the light of a number of statements made by disabled people, and draw out its implications for anti-oppressive social work practice.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearch Handbook on Social Work and Societies
EditorsHugh McLaughlin, Barbra Teater
Place of PublicationCheltenham
PublisherEdward Elgar
Chapter17
ISBN (Electronic)9781035329274
ISBN (Print)9781035329267
Publication statusPublished - 23 Oct 2025

Publication series

NameElgar Handbooks on Social Work
PublisherEdward Elgar

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