About us

What is the Australian ICF Disability and Rehabilitation Research Program?

Our objective

To conduct and promote high quality research on disability, rehabilitation and health, and to provide leadership in research and education, applying or consistent with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

The articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provide guidance to all involved with disability, including researchers in our field. Habilitation and rehabilitation require 'effective and appropriate measures, including through peer support, to enable persons with disabilities to attain and maintain maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and vocational ability, and full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life' (Article 26).

Key activities

Research: 

• Evidence for Community-Based Rehabilitation
• Understanding Participation and Environment in the ICF
• Measurement and assessment of functioning based on or aligned with ICF.

Education: Developing a unified curriculum element around disability, the UN Convention, CBR

and ICF aligned with the Faculty of Health Sciences Curriculum Framework.

Collaborative Networking: Supporting both the Research and Education streams