Some Controversies in Community Based Rehabilitation

This chapter aims to present a brief introduction to the concept and evolution of community based rehabilitation (CBR) including an overview of the changes that have taken place in the last decade. It discusses some controversial issues concerning CBR in developing countries, with particular reference to South Asia. The points for discussion are framed around 5 questions, namely, who should start CBR programmes? Will the predominance of the social model lead to rehabilitation needs being ignored? Is CBR expensive? If so, for whom? Can it realistically depend on volunteers and can it help all disabled people? The points raised are based on the work of the authors in South Asia, over the last fifteen years. The chapter concludes with a recommendation that research into these areas is required to establish constructive progress.