Implementing the International Classification of Functioning (ICF). Improving training and quality assurance processes of trans-sectoral support for persons with disability

<< Background >>We applied for this project to address the need for practical tools and guidance for implementing the Word Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) across various sectors and trans-sectoral cooperation. While the World Health Organisation introduced the ICF in 2001, its practical application has been slow due to the absence of specific implementation instruments. Many countries, including North Macedonia, have incorporated ICF into legislation, such as mandatory functional assessment for inclusive primary education. However, operational challenges persist, particularly in translating the framework into effective service-level practices. Drawing on lessons from countries like Germany and Austria, where implementation struggles highlight the need for clear guidelines, this project seeks to develop an ICF Implementation Guide that would help MK and TR institutions successfully implement the tool. By providing concrete steps for trans-sectoral cooperation, the guide fosters efficient services, improves inclusion and ensures better collaboration among education, health and social work sectors, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities.<< Objectives >>The project aimed to strengthen the competencies of managerial and quality assurance staff in the education, health and social sectors across participating countries by implementing the ICF as a standardised tool for planning and describing trans-sectoral support services. This was achieved through the development of practical guidelines and tailored training materials. The ultimate goal was to establish the ICF as a universal framework for support planning, evaluation and documentation within diverse institutions, including medical practices, NGOs, kindergartens and schools. By using the ICF Implementation Guide, these institutions can standardise their descriptions of client situations, facilitate the exchange of assessments and measure participation outcomes. This shared framework improves the efficiency, cooperation and transparency of services provided to persons with disabilities. Insights drawn from the social, health, and educational sectors in North Macedonia, Austria, Germany and Turkey address specific sectoral challenges, ensuring the approach is both comprehensive and adaptable.<< Implementation >>A range of activities were implemented to achieve the project goals and objectives:1.Project management and coordination: establishing a structured management framework for managing the project, ensuring effective communication among partners (mainly using Basecamp PM tool), meetings, quality control through internal and external quality control persons.2.Development of the ICF Implementation Guide: creating practical guidelines and training materials to support the adoption of the ICF framework across education, health, and social services. The Guide is also available in easy-to-read version for persons with disabilities.3.Product piloting: conducting pilot activities to test the practical application of the ICF Implementation Guide with relevant professionals and gathering feedback for improvement.4.Dissemination: Sharing information on activities and products, lessons learned and best practices from the participating countries through events, conferences, online platforms, meetings etc. to ensure product use and sustainability.5.Mainstreaming: reaching and facilitating collaboration between stakeholders to promote the integration of ICF as a common language for assessing and supporting individuals with disabilities.<< Results >>The main product of the “Implement ICF” project is the ICF Implementation Guide, a collaborative document designed to enable diverse institutions and stakeholders in the medical, social and education sectors to effectively implement the ICF framework.The ICF Implementation Guide consists of a core text providing a general introduction to the ICF philosophy, links to materials, and a road map for implementation, along with five supplemental, sector-specific documents addressing questions and applications relevant to education, special education, school psychology, health and social work. Also, easy-to-read versions of the Guide and the five sectoral documents were created. The guides and supplemental materials were translated into Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish, German and English, ensuring wide accessibility. All outputs were made freely and openly accessible on the project website (www.icf-implement.net). As a result of the implemented activities, the project also produced three newsletters in all five project languages, delivered presentations at conferences and events, organised events, published papers and abstracts, signed memoranda of understanding with key stakeholders, and established new collaborations and partnerships.