June 2 , 2008

Bethlehem University Graduates in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy complete professional upgrade training

27 Bethlehem University occupational therapy and physiotherapy graduates received certificates for taking part in a professional upgrading course in a festive ceremony on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 . The participants who are working in various institutions in the West Bank in the field of rehabilitation were informed about new international standards and new developments that are crucial in working with the elderly and disabled people.

The physiotherapists and occupational therapists took separate courses that consisted of five, or six days respectively, in theoretical training which were followed with clinical field practice. Both courses introduced the participants to the new system of “International Classification on Human Functioning” (ICF) which was introduced by the World Health Organization for professionals working with disabled people. The course for the physiotherapy professionals aimed at developing their skills in communication with their clients and making them familiar with the “Rehabilitation Activity Profile” (RAP) , a system used to assess the effect that rehabilitation measures have on the recovery process of a patient. The occupational therapists received training in “Universal Design”, a new approach in the care for people with disabilities that focuses on designing an environment that makes it easier for them to live an independent life.

Henk Willemsen, Technical Coordinator for Handicap International commented on the outcome of the trainings: “It indeed is a great success, because the participants did not only improve their theoretical knowledge but learned how to transfer it to clinical practice. We already can see the positive results on the ground. The Physiotherapists told us that communication with their patients has improved greatly and the Occupational Therapists have formed a committee for Universal Design that is cooperating with the local authorities in improving access to public places for people with disabilities.”

The courses were generously funded by the European Commission. They were organized in cooperation between Handicap International and the Bethlehem University Nursing Faculty, with two Occupational Therapy experts from Trondheim University in Norway teaching one of the courses.

Handicap International is a non-political NGO whose aim it is to help people with disabilities worldwide. This aid takes into account the social, economic and cultural environment of the person with disabilities. The actions, performed by the association in approximately 60 countries, concern health, prevention, rehabilitation, social and economic inclusion and the fight against antipersonnel mines and cluster bombs. Handicap International is also linked to the defense of human rights which establishes principles of dignity, participation, non-discrimination and provisions likely to meet people's requirements.