How can I apply the theory of functionalism to people with severe learning disabilities?

To apply the theory of functionalism to people with severe learning disabilities, consider what type of role people with disabilities play within a functionalist paradigm, and how this role might be altered, changed, or expanded.
Under the current medical functionalist model, people with disabilities function from within the "sick role." Functionalism considers that the "sick" role involves: 1) wanting help, and 2) complying with medical professionals in order to "get better." Thus, based on the current medical functionalist model, most resources are spent in an attempt to "cure" or "treat" folks with disabilities.
This model is limited when it comes to people with disabilities. It assumes that there is something wrong that needs to be fixed. Medical functionalism needs a more positive and inclusive perspective when it comes to folks with disabilities. For one thing, functionalism reduces all people with disabilities into a single population. However, a Deaf person and a person with Down Syndrome face challenges completely unique to their situation. The only thing that relates these two is the social discrimination and bias they may experience. The current model of medical functionalism reflects that bias by clumping all folks with disabilities into a homogeneous population. A functionalism that deals with severe learning disabilities needs to create new, positive categories for understanding the unique, varied, and complex experiences of those living with disability.

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