Acta Iuris Stetinensis

This publication aims to examine the process of evolution of disability definitions within the framework of international legislation and EU policy in order to establish in light of which disability model the contemporary disability definitions have been shaped. While medical and social models offer distinct approaches to defining disability, they are both associated with significant shifts in societal perceptions and have, at various points over recent decades, been reflected in international regulations. Furthermore, their model variations continue to influence the shaping of existing disability definitions, the scope of rights and freedoms granted to individuals with disabilities and the public policy. This article puts an emphasis on tracing the development of disability definitions in international legislation and politics influenced by these models to determine what factors have solidified the formation of the contemporary legislative approach to defining disability. To achieve this research objective, the method of interpretation of the law in force and of views of legal scholars and commentators have been employed along with comparative, linguistic, and historical legal research methods. The use of these methods has helped to demonstrate that although the majority of existing disability definitions now adhere to the principles of the social and human rights model – particularly due to the establishment of the UN Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities – utilising knowledge from all models should not be disregarded as it may help to find the most appropriate solutions to ensure the equal opportunities for people with disabilities within society.