The Association's mission is to promote the rehabilitation of disabled, handicapped and elderly persons by developing service systems, promoting cooperation in rehabilitation and acting as an expert and collaboration organization in research, training and development. It also promotes and disseminates research and development activities.

The previous name of the Association was the Finnish Society of Medical Rehabilitation and it was founded in 1985. In 2003, the name was changed to Society for Rehabilitation Research and Development. In addition to medical rehabilitation, its mission has been expanded to include other activities and this explains the change in its name.

On the basis of the qualification programme made by SRRD's Special Qualifications Committee, the Finnish Medical Association has issued 228 physicians with the special qualifications for rehabilitation. SRRD also aims to combine rehabilitation qualification programmes of other occupational groups.

The objective of the Scientific Committee is to act as a joint forum where rehabilitation researchers working in different fields will be able to meet each other, exchange ideas and make contacts. In this way, we hope to increase cooperation between researchers and practical workers. Each year, the Scientific Committee organizes a seminar for researchers. In addition, we have committees devoted to Information and Training and International Affairs.

Join us in developing rehabilitation!

Aarne Ylinen
Docent

Society for Rehabilitation Research and Development