Integrated Evaluation of Disability

Ramar Sabapathi Vinayagam, MD, in 1973, obtained a medical degree from Madurai University, India, and he also trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Madras. After working as a tutor, assistant professor, and additional professor, he became the professor and head of the Institution of Government Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai in 2001. He assumed the position of General Secretary from 1994–1999, and was vice president of the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2000–2002. Subsequently, he worked as a consultant 2002–2011, and was the chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2011–2012 in the Ministry of Health of Kuwait. Dr. Ramar has more than 40 years of clinical experience with skills in electrodiagnostic studies, which includes electromyography and nerve conduction studies, and pain management including interventional pain management for peripheral joints, rehabilitation of stroke, rehabilitation of persons with spinal cord injury and amputation, and disability evaluation. Dr. Ramar has served as a postgraduate teacher in physical medicine and rehabilitation; chairman, Board of Studies School of Physiotherapy, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai; postgraduate examiner in physical medicine and rehabilitation for universities in India and the National Board of Examinations, New Delhi. He has served as coordinator on the accreditation committee for the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait; and as chairman of the Committee on Disability Evaluation, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait. He has served as a resource person in WHO expert group committees and participated in the Delphi Process from India for the WHO Collaborative Project with Munich University, Germany on ICF—International Classification of Functioning in Disability and Health 2000. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the DHADHIJI Award in 1997 from the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. In 1993, he wrote the book Objective Evaluation of Impairment and Ability in Locomotor Handicapped; and in 2001, he authored a chapter in the book Neurorehabilitation Principles and Practice (Second Edition).

1. Introduction to Disability. 2. Basis for Integrated Evaluation of Disability. 3. Literature Review and Selection of Clinical Tools and Scales. 4. Methods for Assigning Impairment. 5. Validation of Clinical Methods/Scales. 6. Impairment of Functions of the Nervous System. 7. Impairment of Functions in the Neuromusculoskeletal System. 8. Impairment of Urogenital Functions. 9. Impairment of Cardiovascular Functions. 10. Impairment of Pulmonary Functions. 11. Impairment of Functions in Hematological and Immunological Systems. 12. Impairment of Swallowing, Liver, and Defecation Functions. 13. Impairment of Visual Functions. 14. Impairment of Hearing Functions. 15. Impairment of Amputations. 16. Impairment of Congenital Skeletal Limb Deficiencies. 17. Impairment: Dwarfism, Disfigurement, Deformities, and Shortening. 18. Burns: Impairment. 19. Intellectual Disability or Mental Retardation. 20. Activities and Participation. 21. Environmental Factors. 22. Personal Factors. 23. "Ready Reckoner Impairment Table."