The Patient Needs Fixing

Item #051, #052, #053: $149.95

Understanding the Medical/Professional View of Disability

The medical/professional view sees disability as a physical problem that needs to be fixed by experts. People with disabilities are labeled as patients, broken, sick, or as objects to be studied. Disability is something to be overcome, to be improved on by experts. Experts are in control.

This unit explores the 1000-year history and continuing influence of the medical/professional view of disability. Participants build skills to notice this stereotype in their lives, to name its power and negative influence, and to practice confronting and responding to it. Let’s replace the ill effects of this viewpoint with dignity, empowerment, and social change.

Part 2 of a three-part training series where participants learn to recognize and respond to the competing views of disability within society.

Recommended Audience

Available in editions tailored for self-advocates, professionals, and parents.

What’s Included

  • Facilitator’s handbook
  • Audio CD with spoken orientation
  • Step-by-step workshop outline
  • DVD (closed captioned)
  • Disability history cards
  • Masters
  • Participatory activities, including role-play exercises
  • Overhead masters
  • Item #051 $149.95 - parent edition
  • Item #052 $149.95 - self-advocate edition
  • Item #053 $149.95 - professional edition

The Patient Needs Fixing - An Advocating Change Together product.


Disability is not a problem to be fixed by experts.