The ICIDH: a review of research and prospects

This paper reviews developments in thinking about disablement, especially in response to publication of the ICIDH and from the perspective of a sociologist. The background was provided by changes in perceptions of illness and its consequences, following the emergent predominance of chronic disorders and an ageing population. The ICIDH set out to organize concepts relevant to disablement in response to these alterations. Difficulties have been encountered on two planes--conceptual issues and measurement issues--and these are both discussed briefly. The hazard in future research lies in attempts to avoid the problems, particularly by focusing on disability to the neglect of handicap. It is argued that handicap must be central to developments in disablement research and in rehabilitation.