A “model” is an ideology or system held by a particular group. In this essay, the models mentioned will focus on those surrounding disability and impairment. The models analyzed are the medical model and the social model of disability, as well as their impact on people with disabilities. The social model theory of disability was a reaction to the rise of the medical model in society. Although social modeling ideologies existed in the 1960s, the idea was put forward by the Union of Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS) in 1975. UPIAS claimed that it was society that disabled people , thus giving birth to the “social model”. Medical and social models of disability were subsequently further explored by different theorists, academics and disability rights advocates. This essay will explore the definition and systems behind these two models of disability, while using articles on media representation of disability to help better understand these models and how they work. The medical model of disability is the theory that the problem of disability is up to the individual and that managing the disability with medication or therapy, finding a cure, or managing the disability is the best treatment. Olkin (2001, p. 26) states that "the medical model gained momentum in the mid-1800s with the advent of more enlightened and humanistic medicine...Disability is seen as a medical problem that resides in the 'individual. » The general goal of the medical model is to “normalize” the individual as much as possible from a medical perspective. Jesperson and McNamee (2013, p. 5) state that “when some people cannot be normalized, they are left in a state of apparent and concerning abnormality. » If the individual cannot ...... middle of paper ...... with a disability, speak from their point of view, and this is the best way to encourage people to follow and promote equality, inclusion and the social model. .- Just like the medical model, the social model is not exempt from criticism. Shakespeare (2006) argues that although society disables people, so do their bodies. He believes that one cannot simply ignore impairments and blame society for the fact that people are disabled. (Bury & Gabe, 2003) also argued that the social model oversimplifies a much larger problem. This essay has served to give a brief understanding of the theories and practices of medical and social models of disability, and how they affect people with disabilities. This is an important question to consider because there are still many people with disabilities in the world and we still have steps to make society inclusive..