What is a key characteristic of the medical model in delivering services?

The key characteristic of the medical model in delivering services is that it considers disability primarily as an illness or sickness. This model is grounded in the perspective that disabilities are the result of a medical condition that requires diagnosis, treatment, and management. This viewpoint often prioritizes clinical interventions, medical assessments, and a focus on the individual's impairments rather than societal or environmental factors that might contribute to the disability experience.

In this context, the medical model may lead to a narrower understanding of disability, emphasizing the need for medical professionals to address and rectify the impairments through medical means. This contrasts with other models that might highlight developmental milestones, community-based approaches, or views of disability that align more with wellness rather than an illness perspective.