In CBR, the disabled person, the family, the community, and health professionals collaborate to provide needed services in a non-institutional setting, and in an environment or community where services for disabled persons are seriously limited or totally absent. Its esssential feature is its focus on partnership and community participation. Approaches to the implementation of CBR are many and are determined by a variety of social and demographic factors. Introducing rehabilitation services at a local or community level removes many obstacles to care which are associated with institutions. The difficulty of travel and its expense are eliminated or reduced to a minimum.
All participants can see what the disabled person has achieved.
This can help integrate the person into the community, a community which values the unique contribution which the person is able to make. In the developing world, CBR provides the focus for training a new corps of health and social personnel. In conflict and post-conflict regions, CBR is being implemented to provide essential rehabilitation services to a population ravaged by war. Dedicated to teaching, research and service, the Centre is a unique international resource for the promotion and implementation of CBR programs.