The ICF Core Sets will play a key role in fostering a standardised, client-centred approach to the assessment and management of deafblindness. They will contribute significantly to improving healthcare and educational practices, research, and policy development, ultimately elevating the quality of care and education for people with deafblindness. At the local level, challenges such as accessibility and communication barriers persist. Nationally, the absence of service eligibility criteria and insufficient recognition of the uniqueness of deafblindness create obstacles. On the international front, widely varying definitions, terminologies, and a perception of low prevalence hinder progress in the field.
The main objective of the 3-day conference is to establish a comprehensive set of codes within the ICF framework for deafblindness. These codes will address the complexities posed at local, national, and international levels, ensuring their practicality and utility across diverse healthcare and educational settings. The conference will bring together experts from various disciplines, researchers, clinicians, interveners, and individuals with lived experiences of deafblindness to provide a holistic perspective. Through a critical review of scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and personal experiences, we aim to inform the development of Core Sets that accurately reflect the most pertinent aspects of functioning and disability in deafblindness.