Technology and the Medical Model of Disability
The 21st century has been characterized by rapid technological advancements that extend into nearly every facet of American life. Two areas of technology that have had a particular impact on the lives of disabled individuals and those working in medicine are medical devices and assistive technology. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a medical device as “any instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, appliance, implant, reagent for in vitro use, software, material or other similar or related article, intended by the manufacturer to be used, alone or in combination for a medical purpose” (WHO, n.d.). Assistive technology is defined more generally as any product developed to “improve an individual’s functioning and independence, thereby promoting their well-being” (WHO, 2018). Healthcare workers who use assistive technology exist at the confluence of these two classifications. While typically not designed for a "medical purpose," assistive technology supports disabled individuals in providing medical care. The classification of technology according to the intention of the manufacturer rather than the application of the user reflects a medical model of disability and significantly impacts the lives and careers of disabled medical providers.
Photograph of Dr. BJ Miller from WebMD News, framed to include his prosthetic legs.
The medical model of disability is founded on the assumption that the problem of disability exists within the person. In this view, technology is presented as a tool that "completes" the person and enables achievement of social value through hard work and determination. News reports like this 2022 WebMD Health News article on Dr. BJ Miller, who is a triple amputee (Gallegos, 2022), highlight how the media reinforces these stigmatizing views. The article, which focuses on Miller's role as a physician, states that his "prosthetics make nearly all activities possible” and only includes images that showcase his prosthetic legs and arm (Gallegos, 2022). While foregrounding prosthetic technology, the story fails to demonstrate the value of such technology in direct relation to Miller's work providing online palliative care. A reader might assume that telemedicine technology is more relevant to Miller’s practice, but the article’s decision to remain focused on his prosthetics affirms a belief that physical “normality” is a prerequisite for meaningful social contribution. Focusing on assistive rather than general or medical technology, therefore, defines Miller according to his physical differences without acknowledging the assistive role of universal technology in enabling him to practice medicine.
References:
Gallegos, A. (2022, January 14). Electrocuted by 11,000 volts, now an amputee…and an MD. WebMD Health News. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20220118/electrocuted-amputee-doctor
World Health Organization. (n.d.) Medical devices. Retrieved April 30, 2022, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/medical-devices#tab=tab_1
World Health Organization. (2018, May 18). Assistive technology. Retrieved April 30, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/assistive-technology