Framing our work (and lives) around the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Our Speech-Language-Multilingualism team use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF, World Health Organization, 2001) and the children and youth version (ICF-CY, WHO, 2007) as the framework for most of our work. It enables us to think  holistically about the lives of the children, families, and professionals we work with. It also enables us to enjoy and participate in all aspects of our own lives (not just work).

Recently, Anna Cronin has been using the ICF-CY as the framework for her PhD study undertaking a comprehensive content analysis of the transcripts of conversations with experts who work with young children with cleft lip and palate. She visited these experts around the world as part of her Churchill Fellowship. There have been some surprising insights using the ICF-CY. For example, e210 Physical geography and e2151 Population density were frequently discussed as a in relation to the impact of access to specialist services for these children.

Anna Cronin