© Associated Asia Research Foundation (AARF) A Monthly Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International e-Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories. Page | 25 THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL CHALLENGES OF ASSESSING DISABILITIES IN ETHIOPIA Dr. Beide Melaku Bezabih Lecturer, College of Education and Behavioural Studies, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga Ethiopia ABSTRACT This paper deals with three issues in relation to disability. First, western approaches to disability particularly the medical and social models are briefly introduced. Next to this, the issue of disability in terms of demography, beliefs, culture and traditions in Ethiopia are explained. Finally the last topic deals with traditional medical practices and the challenges to study disability in Ethiopia. The way people conceive disability varied across cultures due to the social meanings attached with it. This is because of the belief system and cultural values of the people shape the perception of disability. The question is how we can assess disability through taking theoretical models which are imported from other cultural settings where people have different perceptions of disability. Such mismatch between what is in the theories and what is in the ground level makes the assessment difficult. In this scenario examining the cultural context or society‟s way of living is very important to assess and understand disability. Therefore, in order to operationalize the scenario and develop valid assessment techniques, the socio-cultural standards of the society on disability must be studied first. This is because “one size does not fit all.” Key words: Challenges, Assessing disability, Imported, Operationalize, Techniques Introduction Background Theories on the issue of disability Traditionally, in the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) disability and health of the World Health Organization (WHO, 2001) has made two disability theories, i.e. „medical International Research Journal of Human Resources and Social Sciences ISSN(O): (2349-4085) ISSN(P): (2394-4218) Impact Factor- 5.414, Volume 5, Issue 03, March 2018 Website- www.aarf.asia , Email : editor@aarf.asia , editoraarf@gmail.com