People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities

Instruments: Long and Short Versions

The items in both the long and short versions are based on a conceptual framework of quality of life which is relevant to the lives of people with and without disabilities. But the instruments also include items that reflect issues of special concern to adults who have physical and sensory disabilities, as identified by people with disabilities themselves.

The items were developed on the basis of interviews with people with physical and sensory disabilities and in-depth critical review of the instrument by people with physical and sensory disabilities. Both instruments can be used for interviews or self-administered; they are suitable for people aged 18 to 64 years.

Both scales are psychometrically sound; results of initial validation of the long version was published in:

Renwick, R., Nourhaghighi, N., Manns, P.J., & Laliberte Rudman, D. (2003). Quality of life for people with physical disabilities: A new instrument. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 26(4), 279-287.

Testing of the short version was undertaken, with results reported in:

Nielsen, E. (2000). Quality of life for people with physical disabilities: Instrument validation. Unpublished master's theses, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The long version consists of 108 items with rating scales and takes about 30-40 minutes to complete.

The shorter version consists of 54 items with rating scales and takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Both versions may be purchased by placing an on-line order through our publications page.