05/27/2026
The Enabling Network – “The Models of Disability”
How we define disability shapes how we support people. In this episode of The Enabling Network, we take a closer look at the different Models of Disability—including the medical, social, rehabilitation, and person-centered approaches—and discuss how these perspectives influence the way services, supports, and technology are designed.
We explore an important question: Is disability something within the individual, or is it often the environment that creates barriers? The answer has a major impact on healthcare, education, accessibility, and community participation.
The conversation also connects these models to the evolving role of assistive technology and remote supports. From smart home systems and wearable devices to virtual monitoring, communication tools, and AI-driven supports, technology is changing how individuals can access independence, safety, and meaningful participation in daily life. Rather than focusing on limitations, modern supports increasingly focus on removing barriers and creating opportunities.
Join us as we discuss how assistive technology and remote supports can shift the conversation from “fixing the person” to empowering the person—creating a future where support is individualized, accessible, and designed around real human needs.
Treating the person, not the diagnosis.