Deaf International Development

The concept of “development” is generally viewed as an economic process. Countries with access to economic resources are considered “developed” while those without access are considered “undeveloped” or “underdeveloped.” There are many theories about why this divide happened and, similarly, there are many theories motivating development practices and processes. These range from theories that focus on economic development to those focusing more explicitly on social development. Social development means focusing on human rights and social justice for marginalizd people.

Roughly stated, there are two models utilized in development assistance for people with disabilities (including deaf people). These are the medical model approach and the social model approach (not to be confused with social development). The medical or rehabilitation model approach focuses on disability as “deviant” and ...