According to the WHO, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is the domains classified for body function, individual and societal perspectives, and a list of domains of activity and participation. ICF includes a list of environmental factors.

 Disability is a natural form, neither an abnormal or special condition. A baby can be classified as a disability according to the list of body functions, as well as elderly persons. CBR is not limited to persons with disabilities, but includes all community members such as babies and elderly persons.

Since traditional rehabilitation such as medical, educational and vocational  have  focused on disabilities and  separated persons with disabilities according to their type of disability such as being blind, deaf, and/or having a mobility disability, intellectual disability or psycho/social disability. As a result, the recipients of rehabilitative services have been segregated from the mainstream of society resulting in the isolation of persons with disabilities from the community.  

The systems of medical, special educational and vocational rehabilitation are so called the “medical model”, where disabilities are diagnosed, assessed and treated.  This medical model has developed into a more formal, complex, and urban-centered way in developed countries where there are many professional and rehabilitative services available.

On the other hand, CBR has not developed in developed countries but rather in developing countries due to fewer professionals and a lack of service systems. Unfortunately, some professionals using the “medical model” in developed countries insist on applying their system(s) to rural areas in developing countries.  However, this approach has failed due to the lack of professionals, personnel, a budget and resources in developing countries.

CBR is focused on “community-based” living with good health: physically, mentally and socially according to the WHO concept.  Therefore, CBR is to have an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based approach.