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Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed the Japanese version of the community-based rehabilitation indicators (CBR-Is), originally created by the World Health Organization to assess inclusive social participation among persons with disabilities. After a rigorous process of translation and cultural adaptation, the team confirmed that these indicators are suitable for use in the Japanese context.

Tsukuba, Japan—The World Health Organization (WHO) has long promoted community-based rehabilitation (CBR) as a practical strategy for building inclusive communities, in which persons with disabilities can fully participate. The CBR framework, comprising health, education, livelihood, social, and empowerment components, has been implemented in more than 100 countries. Evidence suggests that CBR activities improve access to rights and opportunities for social participation. However, most previous evaluations relied on qualitative data. To address this gap, in 2017, the WHO introduced standardized quantitative CBR indicators (CBR-Is), including 40 items designed to identify community needs and guide interventions.

In Japan, critical barriers to employment and social participation persist for persons with disabilities. To better understand these challenges and promote social inclusion, University of Tsukuba research team developed a Japanese version of the CBR-Is (J-CBR-Is). The goal was to ensure that J-CBR-Is could serve as a culturally adapted tool for assessing community and individual needs in Japan.

Following WHO approval, J-CBR-Is was translated into Japanese, in accordance with international guidelines for linguistic and cultural adaptation, including expert review and cognitive debriefing. To assess its reliability and validity, an online survey was conducted among persons with and without disabilities in Japan. Participants responded to J-CBR-Is based on their circumstances and experiences. Statistical analyses demonstrated strong internal consistency, high test-retest reliability, and construct validity, confirming that J-CBR-Is is suitable for use in Japan.

The validated J-CBR-Is provides a standardized framework for evaluating CBR activities and monitoring social inclusion in Japan. It supports evidence-based community development and facilitates international comparisons aligned with global disability inclusion goals.

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This work was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKEN HI Grant Number 22K13557.

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

Development and validation of the Japanese version of Community-Based Rehabilitation Indicators

Journal:

Disability and Rehabilitation

DOI:

10.1080/09638288.2025.2588062

Correspondence

Associate Professor GOTO Ryohei
Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba

Related Link

Institute of Medicine