Measuring Individual Functioning

The complexity and multidimensionality of the concept of disability leads to the debate on the existence of an “elixir of measurement” for a so-called “definitional paradox” (Madans & Altman, 2006). According to the operational nature of the disability concept, any theoretical definition implies an insoluble contradiction (aporia), while any operational meaning is determined by the goal of the research. Therefore, the purpose of the measurement is the guiding principle for the specification of an operational definition and for the choice of a coherent set of measurement tools, and this choice in turn facilitates the multidisciplinary team-building process via the characterisation of each professional required during the assessment and measurement process. The main goal of the present chapter is not to define a default set of measurement tools that would contradict the previous statements but to point out some guiding principles in choosing and applying a set of measures by suggesting some tools that fit those principles.