ABSTRACT
How we view disability is important. In this chapter, we evaluate the various ways that those interested in adapted physical education (APE) can explain and understand disability. First, two traditional conceptualizations of disability are critically examined: the medical and the social models of disability. Having highlighted their limitations, two more recent models are then explained: the social relational model and the human rights model of disability. Throughout the chapter, examples of research from the field of APE, using these various viewpoints, are provided. We close with a set of future directions to help view disability in APE. The directions offered for consideration highlight a focus on critical disability studies.
