Since the publication of the WHO International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and Handicaps (ICIDH) in 1980, several types of application in the field of rehabilitation have been reported in literature. This review provides an overview of the application of the ICIDH in that field. The selection includes 99 references in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian which have been analysed by means of a checklist, or of which abstracts have been provided.