This study examines dimensions of disability in a population-based study. The importance of early intervention for infants and young children with developmental delay and disability has been recognized in the implementation of IDEA legislation, but variation in state eligibility requirements has created a challenge in documenting the nature of the disability dimensions. This study examines the conditions under which infants became eligible for early intervention services by determining the extent to which they could be coded as health conditions or as dimensions of disability. Eligibility criteria are based on documentation of one of three forms of evidence: (a) functional limitations in one or more of five major activities; (b) established medical conditions; or (c) environmental factors highly associated with developmental delay. Data were drawn from the National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study (NEILS) which utilizes a stratified random sampling design carried out in 93 counties in 20 states selected to represent the nation. Analyses were based on a sample of over 5,000 children. A coding system was devised for health conditions (ICD-9) and disability ICIDH2 (International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps). This presentation describes the coding system and the use of a decision tree to facilitate coding the reasons for eligibility for early intervention. Analyses reveal a larger proportion of codes assigned to health conditions with ICD9 than disability characteristics with the ICIDH2. Findings are discussed in terms of the complementarity of the ICD-9 and the ICIDH2 to code health and disability characteristics of infants and young children. See www.sri.com/neils/
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to describe the basic eligbility criterion for early intervention services. 2. Participants will have an understanding of the complentarity of the ICD and ICIDH-2 ind coding eligibility of infants and toddlers for early intervention services.
Keywords: Disability, Data/Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.