The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was developed by the World Health Organization to focus on health and functioning rather than just diseases. It provides a framework to understand and describe disability and functioning using a bio-psycho-social model. ICF Core Sets are selections of ICF categories tailored to specific conditions, improving awareness, clinical practice, and research. While ICF Core Sets exist for various conditions, there is not yet one for deafblindness. Deafblind International (DbI) is working to develop this through a global project, culminating in the ICF Consensus Conference in October 2024. This initiative will shape the future of support for individuals with deafblindness.
1st Mini Webinar, introducing to the ICF: “WHO’s ICF?” (captions and International Signs are provided): https://youtu.be/K_ZctM8Dlog
2nd Mini Webinar, introducing to our work on ICF Core Sets for Deafblindness: “ICF Core Sets?!”
- Part 1, introducing with the initiator of the project, Ricard Lopez, to the project’s history and its importance for advocacy (captions provided): https://youtu.be/HlF9EizaBJA
- Part 2, introducing with the scientific lead of the project, Walter Wittich, to the concept of ICF Core Sets and the step required to develop them (captions and International Signs provided): https://youtu.be/5l9I5FMmTdo
- Part 3, introducing with “Scott” to one participation experience in the work to develop the ICF Core Sets for Deafblindness (captions): https://youtu.be/X8vITemOh8Y
ICF and global definition of deafblindness
Based on the ICF work, we have also started to work on a recommendation for a global definition of deafblindness. This is another project that DbI is doing in close collaboration with the World Federation of the Deafblind WFDB.