Identity or cultural affiliation model
Disability is a valued part of human diversity and cultural identity. It is not a flaw to fix but a trait that influences experiences and communities.
Example
Many Deaf people do not see deafness as a disability. They belong to a linguistic and cultural community linked by sign language, shared history and unique norms.
Key point
The Deaf community is a prime example, but the model also appears in autistic self-advocacy. Not everyone with a condition is identified in this way, and views differ widely.