Community Rehabilitation

Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies scholars ask questions such as: How can families affected by chronic health concerns participate fully in their communities? Do stigmas associated with disabilities influence social policy? How can society adapt to the needs of people with disabilities?

In Community Rehabilitation, we question "NOT what is wrong with the person, but what is wrong with the system, and how do we make the system work for them and not the other way around." In this program, you'll learn theories and are provided hands-on experiences through practicums, research and tailored courses to examine the economic, social, and political forces that serve to marginalize people. You'll learn to recognize and break barriers that marginalized groups face and create a more inclusive society. 

Work-integrated learning

Four practicums must be completed throughout the degree. You’ll gain hands-on experience working within the community and/or through research with faculty members. The first-year practicum is job shadowing with professionals in a classroom, with a non-profit or in day program. Second-year practicum and senior level ones are management/director duties such as creating programs, overseeing projects, giving direction, and providing supports. 

Career opportunities

Graduates of this program work in diverse industries including the non-profit industry, healthcare and more. A degree in Community Rehabilitation can be used as a stepping-stone to graduate studies or a professional degree such as medicine, speech and language pathology, or physical therapy. Graduates have also created their own businesses, and progressed in career roles as psychologists, social work, health and wellness advising, work in policy development, and much more.  

Program highlights

• As a first-year student, you'll be assigned a peer mentor (senior BCR students) who provides mentorship, guidance and lead group discussions in core courses.

Courses in this program

Examples include Disability and the Law, Disability and the Body and Mental Health and Disability

Internationalize your degree

Take your learning off campus by exploring one of our 200+ international opportunities. For example, in Community Rehabilitation, you can go on exchange to Flinders University in Australia. We encourage you to check out UCalgary’s selection of programs. 

Enhance your experience

Take part in the Undergraduate Research Symposium, an event held every January where you can present your work, practice presentation skills, public speaking and gain conference experience. 

Detailed course information

• First year Degree Guide - Community Rehabilitation
• Program description and courses (Course Calendar)