The World Report on Disability and its implications for rehabilitation psychology

This study reviewed the World Report on Disability (World Health Organization & World Bank, 2011) and explored its implications for rehabilitation psychology.

Key findings and recommendations were identified within the World Report and issues that are salient to the profession, practice and research within rehabilitation psychology were highlighted.

The World Report has a particular emphasis on disability in low-income countries, where the majority of people with disabilities live. Despite the origins and development of rehabilitation psychology within high-income countries, the profession has much to contribute to addressing many of the challenges identified in the World Report. Specific targeted contributions might include addressing the human resources for health crisis in rehabilitation; developing prosocial and community-based interventions and programs; helping to identify and overcome difficulties to accessing health care; refining the measurement and classification of disability; and strengthening research, policy and advocacy for and with people with disabilities.

The World Report on Disability presents exciting and challenging opportunities that exist for rehabilitation psychology practitioners and researchers, and for the profession itself.