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376-1220-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-BIOL , D-ITET , D-HEST

Rehabilitation and Inclusion

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Robert Riener
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:31

Abstract

This course presents origins and prevention of different physical, sensory, mental impairments, their treatments, and methods of assistance in public and home environments. Rehabilitation is put into a larger context providing insights into healthcare systems, health economy, accessibility, barrier-free architecture, para-sports, legal & regulatory aspects, disability policy, and inclusion.

Objective

With this lecture, we want to not only transfer a broad knowledge about rehabilitation and inclusion, but also raise awareness about the challenges and needs of people with impairments, the economy and the overall society. Students should learn about the complex and multi-facetted interaction of care, treatment, assistance, reimbursement, accessibility, legal regulation, and social inclusion. This knowledge and awareness should be presented in a multi-modal way using interactive tools and organizing group/plenar discussions.

Content

The course will cover the following topics: • Introduction: definition of terms, historical and legal background, role of the UNO, WHO, ICRC • Origins: reasons and origins of physical, sensory and mental impairments; surgical and pharmaceutical treatments • Therapy: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy • Technological support: Robot-aided therapy, Virtual Reality, muscle stimulation, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) • Home therapy: personal assistance, mobile health systems, tele-monitoring, tele-therapy • Assistive technologies: gait assistance, prosthesis, orthoses, seeing/hearing aids, etc. • Social inclusion: definition of normality and belongingness, social behaviours, UN-BRK, etc. • Accessibility: national and international aspects of accessibility • Health economy in rehabilitation: public and private cost models, health insurance, SUVA, IV • Barrier-free building and living: environmental obstacles, norms in architecture, inclusive design • Parasports: history of Olympics and Paralympics, Special Olympics, Deaflympics, Cybathlon • Policy: health, social, equal opportunity, disability • Regulatory affairs: ethics committees, Swissmedic, Bundesamt für Gesundheit (BAG), law and disability • Prevention: primary and secondary prevention, social prevention

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 60 minutes
Aids
generic, non-electronic dictionary (hard copy)

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Rehabilitation and Inclusion No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In