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caused by society when it does not give equivalent attention and accommodation to the needs
of individuals with impairments.5 Oppression stems from an environment that is hostile
towards disability in which physical and social barriers inhibit personal choice. Disabled
people can find themselves in a socially devalued and disempowered position. Oliver did not
intend the ‘social model of disability’ to be an all-encompassing theory of disability, rather a
starting point in reframing how society views disability. With his theory, if a building has
ramps and slopes it would be accessible for wheelchair users. Within the inclusive
environment the wheelchair user would, according to the social model, cease to be disabled
but continue to have an impairment. The social model of disability focuses on changes
required in society.

A holistic approach looks at the whole of the client’s life rather than just their body, psyche
or social environment to maximise their independence and improve their lifestyle. As with
other socially disadvantaged client groups, people with epilepsy may need assistance in
understanding their rights, up-to-date disability legislation and social policy. They may need
assistance in gaining access to and managing their own benefits and services, including
advocacy services. For a social worker with service users who have epilepsy these might be
in terms of:

 Attitudes. Promoting to society a more positive attitude toward epilepsy so that others
do not underestimate the potential quality of life of those who experience seizures.

 Social support. Provided either by statutory bodies, charities or the provision of an
advocate.

 Dealing with barriers in resources, aids or information. For example, a social worker
could use other formats, such as Braille for those with a visual impairment or
information in simplified language or symbols for persons with cognitive difficulties.

 Physical structures. A referral could be made to an occupational therapist for an
assessment of the client’s property for adaptations, e.g. a level entry walk-in shower,
a text message service to remind a person to take anti-epileptic medication, or
equipment such as a one-cup water dispenser to reduce the risk of scalds in the
kitchen.

 Flexible work. To start later if a person has a seizure in the night or early morning,
or provide a screen for privacy if a person has a seizure at work, and a quiet space to
recover.

The medical, psychological and social theories all contain valuable insights. A social worker
can learn from the service user the physical consequences relating to their impairment, as
well as the emotional and cognitive experiences and the constraints of living in an able-bodied
biased society/environment.

Social work with disabled client groups

Disabled people are a recognised group of people who face discrimination and oppression.6
People with epilepsy can fall within one or more different groups, including physical
disability, learning disability, mental health etc. It is important to move away from a medical
model where the emphasis can be to focus too much on care and doing things for people and
not enough on rights and empowerment. As Oliver comments3 ‘discrimination against
disabled people is institutionalised throughout society and….welfare provision has
compounded rather than alleviated that discrimination…. The fact remains providing welfare
systems on the basis of individual need has aided the process of excluding disabled people
from society rather than facilitated their inclusion’.

People with disabilities, including epilepsy, can face ‘infantilisation’.7 Within social work,
for example, people with disabilities are not always fully consulted about steps that are being