Methods to improve international comparability of census and survey measures of disability

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the methods used by the Washington Group on Disability Statistics (WG) to develop internationally comparable questions on disability that can be used worldwide.

Method: The WG approach to developing disability measures included careful consideration of the theoretical and conceptual issues associated with disability, translating disability concepts into measurement tools, and mixed-method evaluations of the proposed questions using both cognitive and field interviewing methodologies.

Results: Disability is a complex construct the measurement of which presents considerable challenges for survey methodologists. The Washington Group on Disability Statistics (WG), a UN Statistical Commission sponsored city group, was established to address the methodological and measurement challenges that have characterized disability statistics and to develop questions for use worldwide that will provide comparable, valid and reliable disability statistics. The WG used a variety of methods to meet these objectives and has finalized a short set disability measure for use in censuses worldwide.

Conclusions: The methodologies adopted by the WG have resulted in question sets that greatly improve the international comparability of disability statistics and will advance our understanding of disability worldwide.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Effective rehabilitation policy and practice benefit from the collection of high quality and relevant data.

• The use of standardized disability question sets that have been tested cross-nationally improves the comparability of rehabilitation policy and practice internationally.

• Standardized and tested disability questions, available for use in Census and surveys, can be used to monitor programs: from local rehabilitation programs to the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Keywords::

• Washington Group on Disability Statistics

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Barbara M. Altman and Julie Dawson Weeks for their assistance with this paper and the members of the Washington Group on Disability Statistics for making the projects described a success.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no declarations of interest.

Notes

¹The inclusion of assistive devices was considered for two domains only, seeing and hearing, as limitations in these domains can often be overcome with the use of glasses or hearing aids.

²The inclusion of assistive devices was considered for two domains only, seeing and hearing, as limitations in these domains can often be overcome with the use of glasses or hearing aids.)