ICF-CY

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children & Youths version (ICF-CY) is a universal and multi-dimensional conceptual framework to health, human functioning, and disability with detail to cover functioning in childhood and youth. Since the ICF-CY provides a framework and a structure for collecting and organizing information, it may influence assessment, intervention planning, and the preparation of outcome evaluation. Using the ICF-CY framework could enhance holistic management for children with disabilities and may also guide researchers and clinicians in their selection of an outcome measure for use in a study and/or clinical practice although standard approaches to the evaluation of activities and participation, and environmental facilitators and barriers are required. However, the psychometric adequacy of the ICF-CY has been doubted due to the low reliability and validity hence may not be used in totality as a measuring instrument, but as a screening tool that classifies. The ICF-CY framework clearly has demonstrated the focus of current management practices, as well as strengths and weaknesses in actual practices of childhood rehabilitation.

Objective: To describe the characteristics of people with visual impairment who participated in the Visual Rehabilitation Groups, according to the ICD-10 and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health  (ICF). Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional survey, developed in a university rehabilitation research center between october and december 2012. The users from the Visual Rehabilitation Groups were invited; 13 of them agreed to participate. We performed an occupational therapy evaluation – with anamnesis, performance evaluation and functional vision assessment – an analysis of medical charts and patient description with the use of the ICF. Results: The major causes of visual impairment were diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, optical neuritis and keratoconus. Some functions and structures of the body, performance and capabilities in activities and participation, environmental factors facilitators or limiters were highlighted in this study, allowing the description of the characteristics of each participant through the functionality and the improvement of the therapeutic planning. Assistive technologies, optical and non-optical aids used and their everyday benefits were presented. Conclusion: Visual loss, at any level, led to functional impairments, limiting and restricting the participation and performance in everyday activities, interfering with the individuals’ independence, autonomy and quality of life. However, the use of optical aids, non-optical aids and environmental adaptations proved to be beneficial for increasing the functionality, showing the influence of external factors on the performance. Knowing and recognizing the existence of diversities within the visual impairment universe allows us to understand who the treated individual is, avoiding the generalization by the visual condition. The ICF showed to have a fundamental role in this context.

The article presents partial results of qualitative research in the effects of therapeutic interventions provided by therapeutic educators in multisensory rooms. Th e research was focused on exploring how specific components of multisensory environments influence competencies of clients in early childhood intervention. Th e authors focused on children with multiple disabilities and children on the autism spectrum. They introduce an online assessment, documentation and evaluation tool created by the ICF-Train project that utilizes the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health for children and youth (ICF-CY) in direct work with children and families in early childhood intervention.

This  study  investigated  present  and  future  everyday  life situations  (ELS)  in  home,  school,  work,  and  leisure environments for a group of school-aged children with severe disabilities, including complex disorders and a combination of disabilities. The purpose was to explore universal ELS; clarify how the children can be supported in their development of  autonomy;  and  to  gather  information  on  potential  overall  goals  for  interventions.  To  make  data  comparable,  all reported ELS were linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, Child and Youth version (ICF-CY)  and  listed  along  with  information  on  the  setting.  Both  today,  and  in  the  future,  recreational  activities  and participation  in  school  or  work  were  of  highest  importance,  but  few  reported  ELS  involved  directly  interacting  with  other children.  More  ELS  were  predicted  to  occur  outside  the  home  and  with  a  higher  degree  of  autonomy.  Therefore, interventions  would  be  focused  on  the  overall  goal  that  children  with  severe  disabilities  take  initiatives  to  become independent and to form relationships with others.

Abstract: This study investigated present and future everyday life situations (ELS) in home, school, work, and leisure environments for a group of school-aged children with severe disabilities, including complex disorders and a combination of disabilities. The purpose was to explore universal ELS; clarify how the children can be supported in their development of autonomy; and to gather information on potential overall goals for interventions. To make data comparable, all reported ELS were linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, Child and Youth version (ICF-CY) and listed along with information on the setting. Both today, and in the future, recreational activities and participation in school or work were of highest importance, but few reported ELS involved directly interacting with other children. More ELS were predicted to occur outside the home and with a higher degree of autonomy. Therefore, interventions would be focused on the overall go...

Method This study uses a systematic review of the literature using database keyword searches. Studies exploring the relationship between education, the ICF and its related concepts: participation, environment, and personal factors were sought. The keywords ...

This paper presents findings from a systematic review of the literature related to participation and the ICF/ICF-CY in educational research. To analyse how and investigate the application of participation in educational research. Specifically, how participation is related to the environmental dimensions availability, accessibility, affordability, accommodability and acceptability. A systematic literature review using database keyword searches and refinement protocols using inclusion and exclusion criteria at abstract, full-text and extraction. Four hundred and twenty-one initial works were found. Twenty-three met the inclusion criteria. Availability and accommodations are the most investigated dimensions. Operationalization of participation is not always consistent with definitions used. Research is developing a holistic approach to investigating participation as, although all papers reference at least one environmental dimension, only four of the 11 empirical works reviewed present a fully balanced approach when theorizing and operationalizing participation; hopefully this balanced approach will continue and influence educational policy and school practice.