Table of contents:
The Objectives and Use of a Standardized Measure of Disability
A standardized measure of disability must meet the following tests:
- Be possible to be implemented on a global level in order that all national statistical offices can use it correctly, both technically and with respect to the amount of resources it requires;
- Identify the majority of persons with limitations in basic activities that put them at risk of restrictions in participation in society;
- Identify persons with similar types and degree of disabilities regardless of nationality and/or culture.
A measure meeting these criteria can be used to monitor prevalence trends for persons with activity limitations in basic domains. It can also be used to disaggregate data by disability status in order that comparisons of various outcome measures can be made between persons with and without disabilities. Finally, such a measure can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and policies designed to promote full participation.
Arab countries have differed than non-Arab countries in defining people with disabilities. Box 4 below shows an example of discrepancies in the definitions of disability used by some Arab countries. Such discrepancies would yield different results in measuring persons with and without disabilities. A standardized definition of persons with disabilities provides comparable information over time and among countries in this region and the world. Countries could use this information to compare the prevalence of disability at the national levels and on the impact of policies and good practices that have been implemented.
| Egypt | Mental, mobility or sensory difficulties that do not allow the individual to exercise their life normally and independently as a result of health problems that prevent them from participating effectively in society on an equal basis with others. |
|---|---|
| Iraq | Continuing difficulty, or a difficulty that is expected to last for six months or more. |
| Oman | Difficulty / disability in the practice of daily life. |
| State of Palestine | Difficulty / disability: Persons with physical, mental or sensory disabilities for a long period, considered six months or more, and barriers, attitudes and different environments that prevent their participation in their society on an equal basis with others. |
| Saudi Arabia | Every person has deficiencies in any of the functions or physical structures that lead to limited capacity to participate as a result of environmental and personal factors. Therefore, the term "difficulties" was used to reflect limitations in functions and physical structures. Avoids using the term disability because of the stigma that leads – most likely – to the denial of its existence. |
| United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) | Disability is a physical, sensory or mental impairment that restricts a person's ability to perform certain activities when exposed to different attitudes or behavioral and environmental barriers or when they are fully engaged in society compared with others of the same age. The disability must be long-term, which means that it should last for six months or more. |