ABOUT

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines community-based rehabilitation as comprehensive rehabilitation (outside of the traditional clinical hospital setting) that promotes maximum independence and full inclusion in all aspects of life. My research is grounded in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) bio-psycho-social model. The ICF provides a conceptual framework that explains various components of living with a disabling condition or illness. It examines the individual’s health within a variety of contexts, including personal and environmental factors, body functions and structure, as well as activity and participation. My research focuses on the participation component of the ICF within community-based rehabilitation environments.

Once our research demonstrated that the recreational therapy intervention increased active participation, we became more interested on how we could address the management of secondary health conditions through community- based rehabilitation. The formation of the community-based rehabilitation team (CBRT) has been working on evidence-based interventions since 2012 with the most recent focus on sexual health and women living with paralysis. The CBRT has also continued its collaboration and interest also within the area of socially assistive robots and its impact on community based public health initiatives.