Towards a common disability assessment framework: theoretical and methodological issues for providing public services...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health Policy
• Disability Studies

Background:

• The need for standardized, needs-based approaches in disability services.
• Challenges in aligning public services with the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present preliminary findings from an Italian initiative implementing an ICF-based protocol.
• To enhance the provision of public services and benefits for individuals with disabilities.

Main Methods:

• Mapping the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
• Developing an ICF-based evaluation protocol and a Person-Environment Interaction Classification (PEIC) tree for output definition.

Main Results:

• The PEIC tree and ICF protocol serve as guidelines for service provision and data interpretation.
• The system facilitates assigning individuals to appropriate services, from monitoring to environmental modifications.
• The protocol details interventions, highlighting the impact of personal support and environmental factors on functioning.

Conclusions:

• The methodology offers a detailed description of functioning and disability.
• This approach supports policymakers and administrators in making informed decisions.
• Enables the targeting of person-tailored interventions based on identified needs.