Towards an international framework for communication disorders: use of the ICF

There has been an interest in the World Health Organization's framework of functioning and disability by those in communication disorders since the original 1980 International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH). In 2001, WHO published the substantially revised International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). This framework is gaining in acceptance as a system that would be beneficial for the field and for our clients. This article describes the basics of the ICF and how it differs from the ICIDH; the possible applications of the ICF to communication disorders; some of the work done with the ICF in communication disorders internationally; and the benefits to the field from increased interdisciplinary and international collaboration using the ICF as a common framework.

As a result of this activity the reader will be able to: (1) describe the basics of the ICF, (2) describe the applications of the ICF to communication disorders, and (3) describe the possible impact upon the field internationally.