The Disability Measurement Matrix

1
The Disability Measurement Matrix

• Barbara M. Altman
• Jennifer Madans
• Elizabeth Rasch
• Angela Me
• Margaret Mbogoni
• Elena Palma

2
Orientation and Process

• Matrix as it evolved from first meeting of
  Washington City Group
• Instructions and expectations
• Meetings at the U.N.
• Resultant draft

3
Overview of Matrix Presentations

• Part 1 Explanation of the conceptual model
• Barbara Altman

4
Overview of Matrix Presentations

• Part 2 An examination of the empirical reality
  in place now
• Margaret Mbogoni Malin Synneborn
• Elizabeth Rasch
• Elena dePalma

5
Overview of Matrix Presentations

• Part 3 Using the matrix, identifying the gaps
  and other uses
• Jennifer Madans

6
Matrix Objectives

• Put some order into the discussion of disability
  measurement
• Help clarify the purpose of data collection in
  order to identify appropriate measures
• Understand choices being made when time, expenses
  and respondent burden limit number of questions

7
Mapping the Space

• Disability measurement is multidimensional like
  the phenomena itself.
• Not every measure is appropriate for every
  purpose, nor is a single measure always
  sufficient.
• Objective of the The Disability Measurement
  Matrix is to develop a tool to guide the choice
  of measures appropriate to the purpose of the
  data collection.

8
Matrix Components

• 3 major elements of basic matrix
• Conceptual model
• Work in progress, to be shared here
• Actual examples
• Work in progress, to be shared here
• Ideal examples
• Future project, for European meeting and beyond

9
Matrix Components

• The conceptual model is made up of three parts,
  A, B C.
• Part A represents the variety of purposes for
  measurement . In graphic format it is represented
  by the Y axis.

10
Matrix Components

• Part B represents the substantive aspects of the
  questions that enhance the understanding of the
  concept of disability. In graphic format it is
  represented by the X axis.
• Part C represents the characteristics of the
  questions that specify details about either the
  concept of disability or the format of the
  questions that can influence the data that is
  gathered. In graphic format it is represented by
  the Z axis.

11
Visualizing the Matrix Components
Part A-Purpose
Part C - Characteristics
Part B ICF Domains
12
Part A Y Axis

• Data collection for a variety of purposes can be
  conceptualized at two levels of collectivity
• Individual - Data needs to reflect the
  differences as well as similarities between and
  among persons with disabilities. Data collected
  with a focus on its use relative to the
  individual.
• Population Data reflects the aggregate level of
  measurement, detail is lost in an effort to
  reflect the nature of the group as a whole.

13
Part A Y Axis

• Within the two basic components the Y axis
  represents a variety of categories of purposes
  for which data may be collected including
• Equalization of Opportunity
• Financial Support
• Needs Assessment
• Prevention
• Research and monitoring

14
Purposes at the Individual Level Examples

• Equalization of opportunity at the individual
  level is associated with providing access to
  services that will level the playing field for
  persons with limitations. Data provides
  information that will reflect needs of an
  individual or group of individuals.
• Personal assistant services.
• Advocacy training.
• Access to legal services.

15
Population Level Purposes

• Needs assessment at the population level provides
  information to assist with policy development and
  decisions about issues on a broader scale, such
  as
• Accessible transportation
• Location and types of rehabilitation
• Housing units

16
Part B X Axis

• In the first section of the Measurement Matrix
  the elements of the X axis represent the
  components of the ICF as translated into
  measurement language or regularly used elements
  of disability measurement.
• Environment elements represented by.
• Immediate physical world and social world
  measures.
• Assistive technology which provides
  accommodation.
• Participation elements represented by.
• Involvement in social role activities such as
  those associated with work, family and
  recreation. Participation implies taking on
  social roles.

17
Part B X Axis (continued)

• Activity limitations represented by
• Tasks or the substructure elements of role
  participation
• Body and structure elements represented by
• Functional limitation measures that reflect
  abilities to coordinate the body and structure to
  accomplish tasks
• Impairments or pathology represented by
  indicators of conditions or residual damage to
  body structure.

18
Part C Z Axis

• The second table, Part C, contains the Z axis.
  Part B reflected characteristics of the
  individual and their situation. In Part C, most
  of the units are associated with characteristics
  of the question or further characteristics of the
  elements of Part B.
• Duration of a circumstance.
• Number of categories included in the response
  choices.
• Specificity of items

19
Taking a Closer Look

• Each different Y-axis general purpose category is
  explained briefly.
• Equalization of Opportunity In the population
  context refers to the development of programs to
  improve life circumstances.
• For each example of a purpose category, the
  relevance of each type of ICF category is briefly
  explained across the row.
• Purpose of measurement to protect civil rights
  (see page 3) 5 types of indicators are relevant
  for measurement.

20
Examining a Cell from Parts A and B
Participation
Major role participation is the concern here, can
the person be self-supporting
Financial Support
21
Adding Part C to Parts A and B
Duration
Participation as related to Financial Support
How long has the work role limitation lasted?
22
Examining a Row Parts A,BC

• Identifying the research question tracking the
  success of implementation of civil rights
  legislation
• Part A - Equalization of Opportunity, Purpose 1
• Part B All categories of substantive measures
  are seen as contributing to information needed
  for policy formation and population trend
  monitoring
• However, impairment if the only type of measure
  referred to in the legislation itself
• Part C Severity level is a characteristic of
  the measure to consider. For financial support is
  becomes an essential element, but for a civil
  rights measure, is it?

23
Culturally Relevant Subheadings
24
Translating the Matrix into an International Tool

• Are the generalized purpose categories (Y-axis)
  universal?
• What can be added?
• Should we limit the matrix to the population
  aspects for international purposes?
• What concepts or characteristics (X-axis) do we
  want to include? Are some aspects of the ICF
  unsuitable for survey use or for international
  use?
• Are there international differences that would
  impact on question formats or characteristics.

25
Looking Toward the Future

• Do we want to identify 1-2 purposes that a
  general measure can satisfy?
• Do we want to identify the questions we have,
  from all sources, that address those 1-2 purposes
  and select those that appear most promising?
• What other steps can we take to narrow this
  search?