F-Words in Childhood Disability
What are the F-words for Child Development?
In 2011, Dr. Rosenbaum and Dr. Gorter published a paper titled: "The 'F-words' in Childhood Disability: I swear this is how we should think!" The paper features six F-words that the authors state should be the focus in childhood disability - Functioning, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future.
Functioning: refers to what people do - how things are done is not what is important
Family: represents the essential ‘environment’ of all children and youth
Fitness: refers to physical and mental wellbeing
Fun: includes activities that people enjoy
Friends: refers to the friendships established with others
Future: is what life is all about
Who are the F-Words for?
These ideas are for everyone! We have focused on how they can be used by children, youth and families, and by people who work with them in areas such as healthcare, education, and community programs. We have also been exploring how they relate to adults and are learning how the six F-words apply across the life span, in all of our lives.
How can you learn more?
Take the online self-paced Foundations Course
Family, Fun, Friends, Functioning, Fitness, and Future: These are a few of our favourite ways to describe and celebrate child development. Curious to learn more? CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research offers the F-words Foundation Course. It’s a free, five module, self-paced online training course designed for families, health care providers, managers, community service providers, and educators who support children and youth of all abilities. Check it out here (two versions - English and French):
Organize training for your agency
- Online or in person training with our expert team with a focus on parent involvement
- Learn more here
Make your training count with customized implementation consultation support
- Our implementation specialists work with your team to build a customized plan for using the F-words
- Check out how our partners are implementing the F-words
- Contact us for more information
The foundation of the F-words...
Based on the World Health Organization ICF Framework, these six words bring a positive, strength based approach to health and development. Please click here to learn more about the ICF.
Click on the headings in the image below to explore our F-Words Knowledge Hub.
