Overcoming the Barriers for Participation by the Disabled: An appraisal and global view of community-based rehabilitation in community development

The discipline of rehabilitation developed after the Second World War. Some disabled people were reintegrated into the society due to advances in technical aids, appliances and assistive technology. The transfer of these aids and technology to developing countries was facilitated by the United Nations Organization (UNO). The results, however, did not get to the rural communities. The number of people with disability worldwide, and particularly in the developing countries, is increasing due to wars, conflicts, vehicular accidents, chronic diseases, mental impairment, birth defects and malnutrition. Many of these people face participation-restriction in activities of life. This paper appraises the emergence and the global view of community-based rehabilitation (CBR). The review and remodelling of CBR in developing countries, and its inclusion in community development will enhance the reintegration of the disabled individuals into the society. KEY WORDS: disabled, community based rehabilitation, reintegration, community development