Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a strategy aimed at the rehabilitation, equal opportunities, and social inclusion of people with disabilities, initiated by the WHO in response to the 1978 Alma-Ata Declaration. It emphasizes the use of local resources and promotes participation, empowerment, and equity while addressing the needs of marginalized individuals. CBR encompasses seven components, including vocational training, income generation, and health services, focusing on improving the overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

1. COMMUNITY
BASED
REHABILITATION

2. DEFINITION
Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a strategy within community development for the
rehabilitation, equalization of opportunities, poverty reduction and social inclusion of all
people with disabilities.
CBR is implemented through the combined efforts of disabled people themselves, their
families and communities, and the appropriate health, education, vocational and social
services.”
(ILO, UNESCO & WHO, 2004)

3. • Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) was initiated by the World Health Organization
(WHO) following the Declaration of Alma-Ata in 1978
• Promoted as a strategy to improve access to rehabilitation services for people with disabilities in low-
income and middle-income countries, by making optimum use of local resources
• CBR facilitates access to basic needs, and at the same time promotes equal opportunities and rights
• It is therefore a multisectoral strategy with some key principles to enable people with disabilities to
participate in the whole range of human activities

4. PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION
• Inclusion
• Participation
• Empowerment
• Equity
• Raising awareness
• Self –advocacy
• Facilitation
• Gender sensitivity and special needs
• Partnerships
• Sustainability

5. • Primary objective - Improvement of the quality of life of people
with disability / marginalized persons
• CBR is now defined as a community development program that has seven different
components:
I. Creation of a positive attitude towards people with disabilities
II. Provision of rehabilitation services
III. Provision of education and training opportunities
IV. Creation of micro and macro income – generation opportunities
V. Provision of long term care facilities
VI. Prevention of causes of disabilities
VII. Monitoring & Evaluation

6. CBR emphasizes the use of mainstream,
existing resources, such as health facilities,
educational institutions, community services,
and non-governmental organizations
(ILO, UNESCO & WHO, 2010).

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16. The new understanding of CBR can be represented by the CBR matrix
which includes 5 major dimensions of rehabilitation:
Health, education, livelihood, social, and empowerment
(ILO, UNESCO & WHO, 2010).