The Social Construction of Disability

The social construction of disability explains that disability is not just about an individual's physical or mental condition, but also about how society's attitudes, environments, and policies create barriers. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair may be considered disabled because of inaccessible buildings, not just their mobility challenge. This perspective highlights that societal factors play a significant role in defining what it means to be disabled, emphasizing the importance of making environments more inclusive to reduce these barriers.