Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS