[Implications of the diffusion of the International Classification of Handicaps on policies concerning handicapped persons].

The International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH) has had a considerable impact on perception of the consequences of disease, and of the modifications which these consequences can present. Ideally, ICIDH is at the same time a descriptive, an explanatory and an implementation too for health policy. Two examples of the conceptual and policy use of ICIDH are given: policy developments proposed to Member States of the Council of Europe; multisectoral development in Québec. Both these examples underline that the ICIDH not only deals with clarifying items, but is also a support to the development of responsible policies.