Medical, Charity, or Social Model? Rethinking Disability

In this episode of Dude, Where’s My Ramp?, Chandy and Emma dive deep into the different models of disability — the Medical Model, Charity Model, and Social Model — exploring how each one shapes society's treatment of disabled people.

From personal experiences with health systems, job interviews, and birthdays to Lilo & Stitch live-action critiques (yes, really), the episode blends real talk, laughs, and thoughtful analysis on what it means to be disabled in an often inaccessible world.

We explore:

• What the Medical Model gets wrong — and what it misses

• Why the Charity Model can feel patronising or disempowering

• The liberation potential of the Social Model

• Intersectionality, ableism, and lived experience

• Why there’s no one way to understand disability

• The power of language, autonomy, and access

Whether you're disabled, neurodivergent, an ally, or new to these conversations, this is a rich, honest, and affirming listen.

 

Mental Health Support Resources

If anything in this episode brings up difficult feelings or memories, please know you're not alone. There are people and organisations ready to listen and support you.

🇬🇧 UK Support Resources:

• Samaritans – 24/7 emotional support: 📞 116 123 | samaritans.org

• Shout – Text-based crisis support (24/7): 📱 Text SHOUT to 85258 | giveusashout.org

• Mind – Mental health info & support: 📞 0300 123 3393 | mind.org.uk

• Disability Rights UK – Advocacy & info: disabilityrightsuk.org

🇺🇸 USA Support Resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free, 24/7 mental health support: 📞 Call or text 988 | 988lifeline.org

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Helpline & peer support: 📞 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) | nami.org

• Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) – dredf.org

• The Trevor Project – LGBTQ+ youth support: 📞 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 | thetrevorproject.org