On the Potential for Psychological Researchers and Psychologists to Promote the Social Inclusion of People with Disability: A Review

Abstract

Objective

This paper outlines different approaches to understanding disability and describes ways in which psychological researchers and psychologists can promote the social inclusion of people with disability.

Method

Narrative review drawing on writings and research from psychology and disability studies.

Results

Five prominent models of disability appear in the literature (moral, medical, social, biopsychosocial, and post‐modern), all of which have relevance to the lives of people with disability. Conceptualisations commonly used to understand the experience of disability from a psychological perspective include stigma and psycho‐emotional disablism. There is evidence that people with disability wish to have greater involvement in research (e.g., as consultants and partners in research about them, and as participants in mainstream research) and to see research findings translated into practice. Evidence is emerging that can be used to underpin psychologists work with (a) communities (to foster social change and social justice, and to reduce stigma); (b) organisations, such as schools, workplaces, and disability service providers (to help develop inclusive and supportive environments); (c) families (to promote optimism, alternative understandings of disability, and a sense of control, as well as developing behaviour support plans and providing referrals to other sources of practical support); and (d) people with disability (to assist them with the issues they bring to therapy while being mindful of the potential for psycho‐emotional disablism to colour the material presented).

Conclusion

Psychological researchers and psychologists have significant potential to contribute to the social inclusion of people with disability.

Key words:

• disablism
• equality
• human rights
• models of disability
• oppression
• review
• social justice