Functional Solutions Model of Disability

The functional solutions model views disability as a functional limitation that can be addressed through targeted technical or practical solutions. In this model, the focus is not on medical diagnosis or social barriers alone, but on solving specific functional challenges. The question becomes: "What solution enables this function?"

Disability is framed in terms of functional needs and compensatory tools.

The core idea of the functional solutions model

The functional solutions model assumes that:

• People experience functional limitations
• Technology can compensate for those limitations
• Barriers can often be solved through specific adaptations
• The goal is to restore or enable function

It is solution-oriented and often pragmatic. Rather than focusing on theory, it focuses on implementation.

How this model influences thinking

The functional solutions model is common in:

• Engineering and technical teams
• Assistive technology development
• Product feature design
• Accessibility remediation efforts

It often appears in thinking such as:

• "Add captions to solve the hearing barrier."
• "Ensure keyboard support to solve motor barriers."
• "Provide alt text to solve visual barriers."

The emphasis is on practical fixes.

Strengths of the functional solutions model

The functional solutions model can:

• Lead to concrete accessibility improvements
• Encourage problem-solving
• Translate theory into actionable steps
• Support measurable progress

In digital accessibility work, this model is often highly productive. It helps teams move from discussion to implementation.

Limitations in accessibility contexts

However, the functional solutions model can:

• Treat accessibility as a checklist of isolated fixes
• Focus on symptoms rather than root causes
• Miss broader structural or organisational barriers
• Encourage reactive remediation instead of proactive design

If accessibility is reduced to solving individual issues, deeper design patterns may remain unchanged.

For example, adding alt text solves one problem. But if the overall information architecture is unclear, barriers persist.

Example in digital design

Functional-model thinking might look like:

• "We added captions, so the video is accessible."
• "We made the form keyboard accessible, so motor barriers are solved."

While these improvements are important, accessibility requires a consistent structure across the entire system.

The model works best when integrated into broader design thinking.

Relationship to other models

The functional solutions model intersects with:

• The medical model, when compensating for impairment
• The social model, when removing environmental barriers
• The economic model, when justifying practical implementation

It differs by focusing primarily on operational solutions rather than philosophical framing.

It is often applied implicitly rather than explicitly.

Why this matters in accessibility

Most accessibility work in organisations happens at the functional level.

Teams implement:

• Captions
• Alt text
• Keyboard support
• Contrast improvements

These are essential steps.

However, long-term accessibility requires moving beyond isolated fixes toward systematic, structural inclusion.

The functional solutions model is effective, but incomplete on its own.

Summary

The functional solutions model focuses on solving functional limitations through targeted adaptations. It is practical and action-oriented, making it highly useful in digital accessibility work.

However, sustainable inclusion requires combining functional solutions with broader structural thinking.