Health classifications and terminologies (original) (raw)
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a framework and classification for describing and organising information on functioning and disability.
It was approved for use by the World Health Assembly in 2001, after extensive testing across the world involving people with disabilities and people from a range of relevant disciplines.
The ICF integrates the major models of disability, recognising the role of environmental factors, the importance of participation as well as the relevance of associated health conditions.
The ICF has been accepted as one of the UN social classifications and provides an appropriate instrument for the implementation of stated international human rights mandates as well as national legislation.
Download ICF at a Glance (pdf, 239.6KB)
Access the ICF web page or search the WHO ICF browser (2024) or ICF Online (2024)
About ICF Australia
With many Australians now living with long term disability or chronic conditions, it is a growing imperative that researchers, administrators and professionals work with people experiencing disability to understand and promote optimal participation.
The ICF provides a framework and classification that is designed to be relevant to a wide range of purposes, people, disciplines and sectors and is recognised as the national and international standard classification of functioning and disability.
Join the ICF Australia interest group
The ICF Australia interest group encourages understanding of and education about the ICF and its use by facilitating a forum for discussion, providing key educational resources and a platform for network-sponsored events.
Key activities of the ICF interest group include:
- the development of practical tools and initiatives to enhance the accessibility and ease of use of the ICF
- using the ICF to generate knowledge and to improve policy, practice, services and the lives of people with disability
- proposing improvements in the existing ICF, including its cross-cultural relevance and applicability
Contact the ICF Australia Project Officer to get involved.