Grant: Prize - IHDCYH Talks

In 2001, the World Health Organization published the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Offering a holistic framework, the ICF expands our thinking beyond impairments and presents an inclusive approach to health and development. Despite growing support for the ICF, an evidence-to-practice gap exists, with the traditional biomedical model (i.e., focus on impairment) still informing practice. We need knowledge translation (KT) strategies to spread awareness and increase the uptake of this modern approach to health. Adapting the ICF framework in 2012, Drs Rosenbaum & Gorter published "The F-words in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think!" They embedded into the framework six 'F-words' (Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future) that they argue should be the focus of all children's health and development. Over the last five years, a CanChild integrated research team has been on a journey to spread awareness and increase the uptake of the F-words. Families and clinicians around the world have embraced the F-words concepts and we now have many examples of how the F-words are being integrated in practice. This youth-produced video highlights what the F-words concepts mean to youth with impairments. These youth recognized the potential of the F-words to change the language and stigma surrounding 'disability'. Using the F-words, they hope to improve society's understanding of 'disability' and to promote a more holistic approach to services. The F-words/ICF concepts provide a universal framework applicable to all of our lives. We hope the video will resonate with youth, families, practitioners and researchers across impairments and disciplines, and inspire discussion of how a focus on strengths (and what the child/youth can/wants to do) will make a positive difference to the health and well-being of children and youth with impairments and their families.