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International Centre for the Advancement of Community Based Rehabilitation

International Centre for the Advancement of Community Based Rehabilitation

The vision of the ICACBR is a world where all people with disabilities are included in their communities and experience full human rights and equal opportunities.

The mission of the ICACBR is to apply the principles and strategies of community based rehabilitation (CBR) to partner with people with disabilities, their families, and their communities (including government and non-governmental organizations) to develop, implement, and evaluate activities that build capacity, support policy, generate new knowledge, and deliver services.

The ICACBR will pursue its vision and mission by:

  • Developing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives, together with international partners, that apply the principles and strategies of CBR

  • Facilitating collaborative research and knowledge translation among faculty, students, and community partners to advance CBR

  • Providing faculty with opportunities to work with and supervise graduate students conducting CBR–related research

  • Creating a space that supports networking among faculty, students, and practitioners interested in the application and evaluation of the principles and strategies of CBR

  • Pursuing funding opportunities that support international placement experiences for students in CBR–related professions (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy)

  • Organizing and promoting the Malcolm Peat CBR Lectureship[1] on an annual basis

Historically, ICACBR developed extensive experience working in the development of CBR as a viable strategy for the provision of needed rehabilitation services in areas of conflict and post-conflict including BiH and Kosova, with victims of landmines in the Balkans and Central America and refugees in the camps of Macedonia and Albania. It was a major player in the post-war health and social reconstruction strategies in the Balkans working closely with the World Bank and the WHO. ICACBR also contributed to the introduction of independent living programs, peer counselling, and the strengthening of the NGO sector to advocate for progressive disability policies and social justice for all persons with disabilities, including victims of landmines. Extensive training was provided for over 500 health and rehabilitation practitioners on current approaches to community practice, environmental awareness and management, the development and training of a network of 50 persons with disabilities trained in peer counselling, and small business development and legislation focused on a community approach to rehabilitation. 

[1]Dr. Malcolm Peat was the founder of the ICACBR and a former Director of the School of Rehabilitation Therapy. Upon his passing, his family established this lectureship in honor of his work in CBR. 

  • Partnerships
  • Student Opportunities

ICACBR is currently operating two major projects:

  • The UoG/Queen’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a 10-year partnership to advance inclusive higher education for young people with disabilities, develop new occupational therapy programs, and advance research for inclusive education and community based rehabilitation in Africa

  • The QEII Scholarships for Excellence in International CBR provides Canadian graduate students in Rehabilitation Science and Occupational Therapy and scholars from low-income African and Asian countries with a unique opportunity to learn and connect internationally, collaborate with peers, and effect change for people with disabilities and their families

The Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship in International Community Based Rehabilitation at Queen’s provides Canadian graduate students in Rehabilitation Science and Occupational Therapy and scholars from low-income African and Asian countries with a unique opportunity to learn and connect internationally, collaborate with peers, and effect change for people with disabilities and their families. Currently OT and PT students may be eligible to conduct international practicum placements in Tanzania through this funding opportunity.

RHBS research students interested in dissertations related to CBR are encouraged to contact the Centre to identify potential opportunities.