Disability is often framed, in medical terms, as the ultimate disaster and certainly as a deficit.

Stella Young’s quote critiques the medical framing of disability, highlighting how it is often perceived as the ultimate disaster and a deficit. In many societies, disability is typically defined and understood through a medical lens, where the emphasis is placed on what individuals with disabilities are lacking or what they cannot do, rather than what they can achieve or contribute. Young is pointing out the negative, deficit-based narrative surrounding disability, which often leads to stigmatization and a limited understanding of people with disabilities.

By describing disability as framed as a "disaster," Young challenges the common perception that living with a disability is inherently tragic or disastrous. This view, often perpetuated by the medical community, creates a sense of pity and focuses on suffering, rather than acknowledging the resilience, agency, and lived experience of people with disabilities. She argues that this narrative does not reflect the full reality of their lives and experiences, which may be just as fulfilling and meaningful as those of non-disabled individuals.

Young also critiques the idea that disability is a deficit, implying that the traditional medical view tends to focus on what is "wrong" with the body or mind. This deficit model often leads to the assumption that people with disabilities need to be "fixed" or "cured," rather than focusing on accessibility and inclusion in society. Instead, Young advocates for a social model of disability, where the focus is on the ways in which society's barriers, rather than an individual's condition, limit opportunities and participation.

This quote originates from Young’s work as a disability activist and comedian, where she used humor and insight to challenge traditional perceptions of disability. Her critique is part of a larger conversation about how society views and supports individuals with disabilities, advocating for a shift away from the medicalized view to one that embraces equality, empowerment, and social change.