Capabilities and disability

Applications of a Capability Approach to Disability and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in Social Work Practice

Author: Patricia Welch Saleeby
Affiliation:  School of Social Welfare, University of Missouri-St. Louis, One University Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, USA

Published in:  Journal of Social Work in Disability & Rehabilitation, Volume 6, Issue 1 & 2 April 2007 , pages 217 - 232

Abstract

As disability rates increase more social workers will require greater preparation to practice effectively with individuals with disabilities. The Capability approach and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health provide helpful tools for social worker training. The capability approach emphasizes the need to assess what individuals are able to do in their real-life environments (capabilities) rather than capacity or functional status. The ICF provides helpful disability-related terminology and an actual classification to assist social workers to develop appropriate interventions that facilitate capability development among individuals with disabilities. Using the capability framework with the ICF will contribute to improved understanding of disability among social work students and practitioners. 

Keywords: Disability; capability approach; capabilities; functioning; ICF; social work practice  

source: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a902816695~db=all~jumptype=rss