Washington Group on Disability Statistics

Washington Group on Disability Statistics

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First Meeting

February 18-20, 2002: Washington, DC

Introduction and Overview

The first session provided a welcome and review of the conclusions from the original meeting, United Nations International Seminar on the Measurement of Disability, as well as goal setting for the first meeting.

Purpose of Measurement

Select attendees, representing both developed and developing nations, described disability measurement in their societies.

An Examination of the ICF Model

The ICF model and its relationship to disability measures was discussed.

U.N. Standard Disability Tables

Concepts, definitions, and classifications of disability were reviewed as well as the suggested approach to collecting data on disability in censuses.

Global Measures of Disability

This session focused on the types and numbers of questions that could be useful in census formats. The impact of the cut point associated with limited questions on estimates of disability was of particular concern.

The Relationship of Global Measures to the ICF

This session examined the relationship of disability measures currently in use to the ICF.

Exploring the Confounding Function of Assistive Device Use

This session explored the identification of disability and whether the lack of specification of assistive device use alters a true count of what is happening within a population. Does the lack of accurate consideration of all devices and their use compromise our measures? How does this impact on global indicators?

What are the Unique Cultural Practices that Influence the Nature of the Environment or Prescribe or Proscribe Participation?

To ask participation questions in a culture that prohibits certain types of participation to certain members of the population is an exercise in futility. These presentations address the cultural attitudes within which the questions must be framed. Does this problem constitute a barrier to collecting comparable data?

What are the Unique Cultural Issues that Act as Barriers to Collecting Data? Are There Common Barriers to Data Collection that Occur Cross-Culturally?

Executive Summary

Links to Other Useful Sites

Page last reviewed: November 6, 2015
Content source: National Center for Health Statistics