The demand for statistics on human functioning and disability has greatly increased following the International Year of Disabled Persons (1981), the adoption of the United Nations World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons (1982), and the release of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (1993). The World Programme of Action specifically requested the United Nations to develop systems for the regular collection and dissemination of information on disability.

The questionnaire on Human Functioning and Disability Statistics was subsequently developed based on recommendations and decisions by expert group meetings and the United Nations Statistical Commission.

In March 2006 the United Nations Statistics Division initiated a collection of basic statistics on disability through the existing Demographic Yearbook data collection system.

This web site is a statistical reference and guide to the standards and methods and available data on human functioning and disability.