Active Rehabilitation International (ARI) will contribute to standardizing and quality assuring Active Rehabilitation, as well as contributing to the exchange of knowledge and resources between the member states.

Representatives from nine countries attended the meeting when Active Rehabilitation International (ARI), which took place in Stockholm in May; Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Ukraine, Greece, Spain and Norway.

ARI is an important step in helping the Active Rehabilitation Model become an integrated part of health and rehabilitation services worldwide. With ARI, we get a framework for expanding and strengthening this work. International cooperation will make us strong and we can help more people.

Specific collaborative projects: A clear and ambitious action plan was is adopted, which was is endorsed by all participating countries.

Among other things, we will develop a common theoretical framework and establish educational programs and certification for peers as mentors.  In addition, it will be important to secure financing for ongoing operations. Cooperation on the exchange of knowledge and resources was is highlighted as crucial for promoting active rehabilitation internationally.

We will exchange leaders and participants to our respective camps. In addition, everyone agrees that it is crucial to get research that can validate the effectiveness of Active Rehabilitation and develop a theoretical framework to guide the program implementation.

The world's first international rehabilitation camp:
It was decided to arrange the first ARI camp in connection with the next ARI meeting that will take place in Greece in the spring of 2025. Over 8 days, a participant and a mentor from all the countries will meet for a camp. We will invite EU delegates and representatives of the countries' governments to highlight the need for a rehabilitation boost. We want to have such an international camp every year in the future.

ARI advocates for systemic change, positioning Active Rehabilitation as a critical, extended complement to hospital-based rehabilitation. Leveraging over 30 years of expertise, ARI works to:

• Share best practices and resources between countries,

• Strengthen research to prove the impact of Active Rehabilitation, and

• Foster an international community that drives inclusion, independence, and improved Quality of Life.

Together, we amplify our voices to prioritize Active Rehabilitation globally, creating a future where everyone with a spinal cord injury can live an active, fulfilling life.