Implementation of the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) in the Turkish education system

Abstract

The concept of disability has been transformed as a consequence of the introduction of the ICF in 2001. This conceptual change aligns with the United Nations CRPD, which states that “disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others” (WHO, 2011, p. 4). It is impossible to grade the physiological conditions, physical-environmental context and psychosocial functions of an individual with SENs without considering a multidimensional approach in terms of an educational and rehabilitative intervention process. Often, individuals miss the opportunity to take part on special education interventions and therapies that would be good for them; for this reason, a new classification system is needed that accounts for multi-dimensionality when planning and delivering interventions. In this context, the idea of implementing the ICF in the field of SEN in Turkey emerged. This chapter aims to provide evidence on the demographics of SEN in Turkey. Furthermore, the authors aim to share the conclusions of ICF-based studies in Turkey in terms of how the model can has been integrated into the current education and rehabilitation system for individuals with special needs