ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the possibilities and limitations inherent in the participation dimension of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The claim made is that the ICF is a model with several paradoxes with respect to how participation is presented theoretically and as a contextualizing concept. The chapter argues that one need to develop a more theoretical discussion of the interrelationship between the participation dimension and environmental factors in the ICF model. ICF is interesting in terms of its liberal idea that societies ultimately must eliminate hindrances/barriers and identify facilitators that promote full integration regardless of disability, race, gender, religion, etc. The introduction of the ICF has broadened the view of participation from body and mind to the interaction between the person and the environment. The link between disability and human rights in the ICF project is a good example of how the WHO incorporates a new domain into its definition of disability.
