The full form of CBR is Community Based Rehabilitation.
Understanding Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) is a strategy within community development that aims to enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their families. This approach focuses on providing services and support within the community rather than in institutional settings.
According to Physiopedia, CBR is about:
- Inclusion: Ensuring people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of community life.
- Empowerment: Empowering people with disabilities and their families to advocate for their rights and needs.
- Accessibility: Making services and opportunities more accessible within the community.
- Participation: Promoting the full participation of people with disabilities in community activities.
- Sustainability: Creating long-term, sustainable support systems for people with disabilities.
Key Principles of CBR:
CBR operates on the following key principles:
- Community involvement: The community plays an active role in planning and implementing CBR programs.
- Person-centered approach: Focuses on the unique needs and goals of each individual.
- Multi-sectoral collaboration: Involves multiple sectors such as health, education, and social services.
- Resource mobilization: Utilizes resources available within the community.
- Local ownership: Ensures that the community feels responsible for the success of CBR.
How CBR Programs Work
CBR programs may include a variety of interventions such as:
- Health: Providing rehabilitation, assistive devices, and health education.
- Education: Promoting inclusive education and providing vocational training.
- Livelihood: Creating opportunities for employment and income generation.
- Social inclusion: Fostering social participation, recreation, and support networks.
- Empowerment: Supporting advocacy groups and self-help groups for people with disabilities.
Example of CBR in Action
Imagine a rural village where a person with a mobility impairment has difficulty accessing local shops or community events. A CBR program might:
- Provide a wheelchair or other mobility aid.
- Offer training on how to use assistive devices.
- Work with local businesses to make their shops more accessible.
- Educate the community about disability issues and inclusion.
- Set up a peer support group to provide social and emotional support.
Importance of CBR
CBR is important because it:
- Reduces the isolation and discrimination faced by people with disabilities.
- Improves the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families.
- Promotes the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in society.
- Is a cost-effective way of providing rehabilitation and support services.
- Strengthens community capacity to address the needs of people with disabilities.
