title: Models of disablement, universalism and the international classification of impairments, disabilities and handicaps.
abstract: A review and critique of models of disability is presented, tracing the development of frameworks and classificatory instruments (International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps) over the past 20 years. While the 'social' model is now universally accepted, it is argued that universalism as a model for theory development, research and advocacy serves disabled persons more effectively than a civil rights or 'minority group' approach. The development of the revised International Classification (ICIDH-2) is discussed in this light.
authors.affiliation: WHO, Division of Mental Health and Prevention of Substance Abuse, Assessment and Classification Unit, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Bickenbach
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chatterji
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Badley
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Ustün
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000145:classification*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011287:Prejudice; D014944:World Health Organization