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A new way to measure child functioning

UNICEF
WASHINGTON GROUP
May 2017

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"In recognizing the need for a set of questions that would produce internationally comparable data on children, the Washington Group formed a subgroup in 2009 that is chaired by the National Statistical Office of Italy (ISTAT). UNICEF joined the subgroup in 2011.

The first main activity of the subgroup was the development of a short set of questions to reflect current thinking on child functioning for inclusion in censuses and surveys. The new module uses the ICF-CY as the conceptual framework and relies on a functional approach to measuring disability.

The Washington Group/UNICEF Module on Child Functioning, finalized in 2016, covers children between 2 and 17 years of age and assesses functional difficulties in different domains including hearing, vision, communication/comprehension, learning, mobility and emotions. To better reflect the degree of functional difficulty, each area is assessed against a rating scale. The purpose is to identify the subpopulation of children who are at greater risk than other children of the same age or who are experiencing limited participation in an unaccommodating environment. The set of questions is intended for use in national household surveys and censuses"

The module is being translated into multiple languages. Supporting documentation, including a concept note, tabulation plan, templates for reporting, guidelines for interviewers and training materials are also available.

The Malawi key informant child disability project

TATARYN, Myroslava
et al
August 2014

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“The aim of this study was to use the KIM to estimate the prevalence of moderate/severe physical, sensory and intellectual impairments and epilepsy among children in two districts (Ntcheu and Thyolo) in Malawi. The Key Informant Method (KIM) is a novel method for generating these data. KIM focuses on training community volunteers to identify local children who may have disabilities, who are then screened by medical professionals and referred on for appropriate health and rehabilitation interventions. Consequently, the method offers an alternative to population-based surveys of disability in children, which can be costly and time consuming”

The Malawi key informant child disability project : summary report

TATARYN, Myroslava
et al
August 2014

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This report provides a summary of research project conducted by the International Centre for Evidence in Disability at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Malawi. The study used the Key Informant Method (KIM) to estimate the prevalence of moderate/severe physical, sensory and intellectual impairments and epilepsy among children in two districts (Ntcheu and Thyolo) in Malawi. This report presents summary of the study’s background information, aims and objectives, key findings, conclusions and recommendations

Disability and deafness in East Asia : social and educational responses from antiquity to recent times. A bibliography of European-language materials with introduction and some annotation

MILES, M
August 2007

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This extensive bibliography includes over 900 articles, chapters and books relating to the social and educational responses to disability, deafness and mental health issues in China, Korea and Japan from antiquity to present day. It would be useful for anyone interested in disability studies, research and disability and development

Deafblind International

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Deafblind International is a world association promoting services for deafblind people. This website describes the aim of the association, as well as providing information about the causes and impact of deafblindness. It contains informative publications and research related to deafblindness, including guidelines for best practice for service provision to deafblind people in both English and Spanish. Links to member organisations are also provided

National Consortium on Deaf-blindness : selected topics

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This technical assistance and dissemination centre provides extensive topic-related information about deafblindness through articles and publications. It is a comprehensive and informative resource that would be useful for people who are deafblind, their family members, their carers and professionals

European Deafblind Network (EDbN)

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This website promotes the rights of people with deafblindness in the EU. It describes the work of the European Deafblind Network (EDbN) and provides deafblind information. There are links to updated EU news and press releases, other organisations, activities and papers. Additionally, there is the opportunity to register to join the EDbN electronic membership group

The European Deafblind Union (EDBU)

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The European Deafblind Union (EDBU) is an association that joins together deafblind people's organisations based in Europe. This website provides information about the EDBU's work and has links to its newsletters, conference notes and general assembly notes

Lega del Filo d'Oro

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This website provides information and support for deafblind and multi-sensory impaired people from the Italian-based Lega del Filo d'Oro. Information is highlighted about the organisation's activities, projects and initiatives. Useful links are provided for additional information about deafblindness in Italy and worldwide

The Association of the Swedish Deafblind

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This website describes the work of the Association of the Swedish Deafblind. Information is provided about deafblindness and the twelve affiliated regional associations. News updates, materials and newspaper publications are made available. Links are included for the Youth Council, Parent Council and related Swedish, Nordic and international centres and associations

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