Methodology

Disability is a complex and dynamic process that presents considerable challenges for data collection. The definition of disability has changed over time and is currently conceptualized as the outcome of the interaction between a person with a functional limitation (difficulties doing basic functional activities) and an unaccommodating environment resulting in the inability to fully participate in society. Thus, to provide complete information on all aspects of disability would require extensive and detailed data collection on almost all aspects of life including body structure and function, individual functional abilities across the full range of activities, a full description of all aspects (physical, cultural, legal) of the environment in which a person lives, and levels of participation across the full range of social roles (e.g. work, school, social interaction, community engagement, civil participation). This is not practical and for many purposes is not necessary.

Multiple tools can be used to address the different components of the disability framework. The data collection tools developed by the WG are easily incorporated into ongoing national data collection systems, as well as topic-specific surveys, programmatic, and research data collections. The tools are designed to complement each other, making it possible to use information from different sources together. When selecting a tool, it is critical to match the tool with the intended use of the data and the data collection method.

Read more about Washington Group Methodology here. 

For more detailed information on the methodology used by the WG please see the following pages: Implementation Guidelines, Translation Guidelines