In many ways it was the consequences of the two world wars that led to the development of this new approach that put emphasis on repair of functional repairments. According to the re/habilitation model, the main problem was the impairment of the individual, and his/her lack of skills.

Therefore, the main aims of re/habilitation were to be attained through the development or recovery of functional skills (e.g. activities of the daily living) and employment (productivity). Because the problem resides in the individual, the key to resolving the problem is through professional intervention such as physician, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation counsellors, psychologists, social workers, etc. In this model, the social role of an individual with disability is that of patient or client. The focus of the control always lies with the professionals, typically by a physician.

Therefore, the re/habilitation model is a medical-industrial model with a therapeutic and recuperations technology that transcends the traditional paradigm by seeking to change the prospects of the persons with disabilities. It is a consequent application of the industrialist and positivist ideology, and as a result the approach takes the persons with disabilities as an object of study. In line with the ideology of industrialization of society, people are evaluated with the framework of "useful-unuseful, or able-unable".

The ideology from the medical rehabilitation, which is the core of the paradigm, was established during the Second World War by rush, and is still maintained. It is a philosophy of medical responsibility, striving towards the goals of individual restoration and optimal level of self-care and functional performance. The following quotation from Spanish legislation is evidence of the emphasis on the individual repair -"all have the right to correct or modify his/her state" (when this is an obstacle to be integrated into society).

In many ways, the re/habilitation model represents a major step forward, and has led to improve life for many people. It has inspired the invention of many different forms of equipment and techniques, and thereby contributing to the productivity of people who would otherwise have been institutionalised or would languish in the old convalescence systems.

However, it is important to realise that much of re/habilitational work is still perform by professionals who "know best" what the needs of persons with disabilities are. These attitudes are typically linked to professional interest that over shadow the interest and preferences of the individuals. For example, the interest of the special teachers to remain in the institutions; and the learning of the skills that are needed in non-segregated society, amongst other things.