What is a Strengths Based Approach?

Social Model of Disability

Resources and Links

What is a Strengths Based Approach?

A strengths based approach operates on the assumption that people have strengths and resources for their own empowerment. In a strengths-based approach the focus is on the individual and their strengths and abilities, not their disability. Strengths based methodologies do not ignore problems but shift the frame of reference to define the issues.

Key elements of a strengths based approach:

• A focus on strengths, not weaknesses, problems or deficits.
• The person is in charge, and nothing is done without their approval.
• The community is a resource, not an obstacle.
• People continue to learn, grow and change no matter what their disability.

Social Model of Disability

Strengths based approaches complement the Social Model of Disability. The social model approach to disability sees the ‘problem’ as society’s barriers, rather than a person’s condition. It looks beyond a person’s disability to all the relevant factors that affect their ability to be a full and equal participant in society. The New Zealand Disability Strategy is founded on this model.

Resources and Links

Websites

Information about the social model:

http://www.bfi.org.uk/education/teaching/disability/thinking/medical.html

http://www.southamptoncil.co.uk/social_model.htm

To download the NZ Disability Strategy:

http://www.odi.govt.nz/nzds/index.html