This article is devoted to the analysis of the classical theoretical and methodological foundations of concepts about the phenomenon of disability in sociology. During the study, it was found that there were three main interpretations of disability, which can be divided into socially dominant (G. Spencer, E.Durkheim), personality-dominant (M.Weber) and two-sided (R.Merton). The study of various concepts of classical sociologists about persons with disabilities has shown that a significant number of concepts and theoretical works have been accumulated that are tailored to questions about this community.

disability, social model, medical model, constructivism, positivism, phenomenological approach, interactionist approach, institutional approach, stigma, deviation, physical defect.