The World Health Organisation's terminology and classification: application to severe disability

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe the international classification system proposed by the World Health Organisation for describing individuals with disability. Initially the 'International classification of impairment, disability and handicap' (ICIDH) was used. This has been replaced by the 'International classification of functioning, disability and health' (ICF). Both of these systems will be described and followed by a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using the WHOs classification framework. An application to the field of severe disability will be made throughout. METHOD: Providing a theoretical framework for classification of disability in accordance with the system proposed by the WHO. RESULTS: The ICF is a useful tool that contributes to uniformity of international terminology and standardization in the disability field. It is not a minority model, and focuses on strengths and skills. CONCLUSIONS: An international classification system such as the ICF offers a conceptual framework for information that is relevant to the long-term consequences of disability. Although any type of classification system has certain limitations, the advantages present within the ICF outweigh the limitations.