The F-words are a translation of the ICF into language that everyone can understand. By taking each component of the ICF and replacing it with an F-word, we see what we need to focus on to support children and families develop (see Figure).

Figure: The F-words in childhood disability – image from the F-words knowledge hub, used with permission.

The F-words are:

• Functioning: what people do, how things are done is not what is important
• Fitness: physical and mental wellbeing
• Fun: activities that people enjoy
• Family: the essential ‘environment’ of all children and youth
• Friends: the friendships established with others
• Future: what life is all about

The F-words framework reminds us that no one factor is more important than another. The F-words are proposed as valuable concepts to incorporate for children, families, clinicians, researchers, and service providers within the childhood disability field.

Visit the F-words knowledge hub at CanChild for a range of resources for how to use the F-words in health, education and daily life.