The development of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps in France

Until recently there has been little satisfactory information about people with disabilities in France, partly due to reluctance by those framing legislation to formulate a definition of handicap. A preliminary translation of the ICIDH in 1981 stimulated interest in the problem, and the National Technical Centre on Handicaps issued a definitive translation in 1988. The word 'handicap' caused difficulties in French as it approximates to the global term disablement. This report describes how the difficulties were surmounted, and how the National Technical Centre then proceeded to undertake activities to extend awareness of the ICIDH. The impact of the classification is reviewed, and applications in social administration, rehabilitation and geriatrics, epidemiological surveys, and education and training are discussed. In 1989 the National Centre was appointed as a WHO collaborating centre for the ICIDH, and future aims are described.