Social model of disability

The Academy is informed by the social model in its understanding of disability. The social model focuses on how people are disabled by barriers within society, rather than by their impairment or condition.

The social model provides a framework that focuses on removing barriers and creating a more inclusive environment. By using this approach, the Academy aims to ensure that staff, students, and visitors can fully access and participate in Academy life.

Under the social model, it is important to understand the difference between impairment and disability.

As explained by the charity Sense:

An impairment is a functional difficulty someone experiences in their body or mind. If you have a hearing impairment, for example, you might need sounds to be louder for you to hear them, or you may not be able to hear them at all.

Disability is the experience of not being able to take part in society because of barriers you face with your impairment. For example, if a video doesn’t have subtitles, and you can’t hear it.

Internal Support

Further information is available through the Academy's Access and Disability webpage.

You can also contact the Disability Advisor at disability@ram.ac.uk for information about support available within the Academy or if you require information in an alternative format.

What barriers can people with impairments face?

As highlighted by Inclusion London:

"Barriers 'disable' by creating exclusion, discrimination and disadvantage for people with impairments."

Types of barriers

Physical barriers relate to the accessibility and usability of buildings, facilities, services and public spaces. Examples include inaccessible entrances, toilets, lifts, ramps, kerbs and other aspects of the built environment.

Attitudinal barriers arise from attitudes, assumptions, stereotypes, biases and behaviours towards people with impairments. These can include assumptions about a person's capabilities, independence or support needs, as well as prejudice, exclusion or discrimination.

Communication barriers affect how information is shared and accessed. Examples include information that is not available in accessible formats, a lack of communication support such as British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters or hearing loops, and language that reflects outdated assumptions about people with impairments.

This article provides an overview of neurodivergence and impairment to support greater understanding and awareness. It also includes links to internal and external sources of information and support.

In this article

This article covers brief general information about:

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyspraxia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Visual impairments
  • Hearing impairments

However, this is not a complete list. Other physical, medical or mental health conditions may also meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010 where they have a significant and long-term impact on everyday activities.

Neurodivergence 

What is neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is an umbrella term used to describe ways of thinking, learning and processing information that differ from what is typically expected or considered the norm. As explained by Exceptional Individuals, it refers to "cognitive functioning which is not considered typical".

Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences, including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia. People who are neurodivergent may experience and interact with the world in different ways, bringing both strengths and challenges.

To learn more about neurodiversity, you can watch What is Neurodiversity? from the British Dyslexia Association and What is Neurodiversity? by Skill Boosters (YouTube).

Autism

The National Autistic Society (What is autism) explains that:

"Autism influences how people experience and interact with the world. It is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability. Autistic people are different from each other, but for a diagnosis they must share differences from non-autistic people in how they think, feel and communicate."

You can learn more by watching the following videos from the National Autistic Society (YouTube) where you can also access stories by people living with autism:

Amazing Things Happen - Explaining the brain of those with autism ( Autism Hero Project)

To find out more visit the National Autistic Society.

ADHD

As ADHD UK (ADHD UK) explains:

"ADHD is a disorder that is defined through analysis of behaviour. People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning and/or development." 

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect both children and adults.

Diagnosis is carried out by a qualified healthcare professional. While experiences vary from person to person, ADHD is typically characterised by difficulties relating to:

  • Inattention: difficulties with concentration, focus and organisation.
  • Hyperactivity and impulsivity: difficulties with sitting still, waiting, self-regulation or acting without fully considering consequences.

ADHD is a developmental condition, meaning that signs are usually present during childhood, although some people may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Many adults seek assessment later in life after recognising traits that have affected them for a number of years.

As the NHS explains:

"Symptoms of ADHD involve your ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and your ability to control your impulses (being impulsive)."

To find out more, check out the following:

Dyslexia

The British Dyslexia Association explains:

"Dyslexia is a neurological difference and can have a significant impact during education, in the workplace and in everyday life. As each person is unique, so is everyone's experience of dyslexia. It can range from mild to severe, and it can co-occur with other learning difficulties. It usually runs in families and is a life-long condition. "

To find out more, check out the following:

 

Dyspraxia 

The NHS explains:

"Dyspraxia, also known as developmental co-ordination disorder or DCD, is a condition that mainly affects your movement. It can make daily activities like writing, dressing, or walking up stairs difficult."

Movement - coordination of movements, spacial awareness, learning or transferring motor skills to new situation or activities.

Organisation and planning - difficulty organising themselves and their thoughts, including attention, memory and time management.

Speech and language - difficulty keeping up with conversations, long pauses before responding and clear speech.

To find out more, check out the following:

The Dyspraxia Foundation

NHS - Dyspraxia in adults

Dyscalculia

The British Dyslexia Association explains:

"A specific learning difficulty in mathematics is a set of processing difficulties that affects the acquisition of arithmetic and other areas of mathematics." SASC definition 2025

About dyscalculia - British Dyslexia Association

Visual impairment and blindness

Visual impairment is a term used to describe sight loss that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses or medical treatment. The term blindness is commonly used to describe severe or total sight loss.

Visual impairment can affect people of any age and may have a range of causes. According to Sense, visual impairment can affect how people access information, move around safely, communicate and participate in everyday activities.

For further information, visit Blindness and Visual Impairment from Sense.

Possible signs of visual impairment

Some signs and symptoms that may indicate a visual impairment or eye condition include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Eye pain, with or without discharge
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Double vision
  • Flashes of light in your vision
  • Changes or disturbances in vision
  • New floaters (spots or shapes) in your vision
  • Frequent headaches or migraines

Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have a visual impairment. However, if you are concerned about your eyesight, it is important to seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.

Seeking support and treatment

If you or someone you know is concerned about their vision:

  • Book an appointment with an optician or ophthalmic practitioner for an eye examination.
  • Check whether you are eligible for a free NHS eye test. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
  • Regular eye tests are generally recommended every two years, unless advised otherwise by your optician.
  • An optician may refer you to specialist eye services where appropriate.
  • Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you are experiencing ongoing symptoms that are affecting your wellbeing or quality of life.

Urgent eye problems

If you experience a sudden change in vision, severe eye pain, or other symptoms that may threaten your sight, seek urgent medical attention.

Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may include:

Please check opening times and service information before attending.

Further information and support

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

Provides information, advice and support, including accessible reading services, student support, benefits advice and awareness training.

  • Website: RNIB
  • Tel: 020 7388 1266 or 0845 766 9999
  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

RNIB Music Advisory Service (MAS)

Provides specialist advice and support relating to music for people with sight loss.

Alternatively, users of Amazon Alexa can say: "Alexa, call RNIB Helpline".

Hearing Loss and Hearing Impairment

Hearing loss affects an estimated 11 million people in the UK and can occur at any age. It may develop gradually over time or occur suddenly. Hearing loss can range from mild to profound and can affect one or both ears.

There are several types of hearing loss, including:

Conductive hearing loss

This occurs when there is a problem in the outer or middle ear that prevents sound from travelling effectively to the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss is often treatable and may be temporary.

Sensorineural hearing loss

This occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent, although a range of treatments, hearing technologies and support options are available to help people manage its impact.

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

As Hearing Link explains, hearing loss may develop suddenly, rapidly over a period of months, or gradually over many years.

Possible causes of hearing loss

Hearing loss can result from a range of factors, including:

  • Exposure to loud noise
  • Tinnitus
  • Ear infections
  • Earwax build-up
  • A perforated eardrum
  • Labyrinthitis
  • Ménière's disease
  • Age-related changes to hearing

Exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage. Musicians, performers and others who work in noisy environments may be at increased risk and should take steps to protect their hearing where possible.

When to seek support

If you are concerned about your hearing, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional. Signs of hearing loss can include:

  • Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
  • Difficulty following conversations, particularly in noisy environments
  • Needing to increase the volume on devices
  • Missing parts of conversations
  • Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) offers a free online hearing check, as well as information about the signs of hearing loss and options for hearing tests.

Sudden hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss should be treated as a medical emergency.

If you experience a sudden loss of hearing in one or both ears, seek urgent medical attention through NHS 111, your GP, or the nearest emergency department, depending on the severity and timing of your symptoms.

Music and hearing health

Students and professionals working in music may face particular risks from prolonged exposure to high sound levels.

To learn more, read BAPAM's article on Singers, Musicians and Hearing Loss.

Further information and support

Click for full access to links within the BAPAM infographic.

The Performer's Wellbeing Toolkit

BAPAM-Hearing-Conservation-Guidelines-for-the-Performing-Arts_2025-v2.0.pdf

BAPAM Hearing Health Infographic

BAPAM Hearing Health

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