This review aims to provide bibliographic information about the historical stages through which the concept of disability has gone through. Based on the investigations of the three most characteristic models, which throughout history have helped society as a frame of reference for the treatment of disability: the tragedy/charity model, characteristic of antiquity and the medieval era; the medical or rehabilitation model, typical of the first half of the 20th century; and the social model, which arises from the sixties of the last century and is currently trying to keep. This evolution has been presented as a consequence of the development that humanity has had, both in its ideas of perceiving people with disabilities, and in the interventions that have been substantially modified. Playing an important role traditions and beliefs, as well as the advancement of science in its different expressions.