+Habilitation - a new method

Helene Elsass Center constantly endeavours to develop new and better strategies for intervention in relation to people with Cerebral Palsy. The basic and most important method is called: +Habilitation, where + refers to something that is added - something being developed, as it makes no sense to talk about rehabilitation in the case of a congenital brain damage like Cerebral palsy. There is – so to speak – no re-. Instead focus is set on adding as much function as possible for the individual.

+Habilitation is a method centring on development and optimization of the potentialities and capacities in the individual.

The purpose is to gain the highest degree of participation and activity based on control over own life as well as independence, self-confidence and social integration.

The fundamental tool of the method comprises a qualitative documentation of the individual functional profile outlining the range of the individual strengths, needs and preferences. This material form the basis for further intervention implemented in individual programmes.

The intervention strategy is based on neuroscience, neural repair and know-how within the field of neuroplasticity - that is the powers and capacities of the brain to change and self repair from goal-directed use and activities.

The basic principle in the concept is INTENSIVE and COMPREHENSIVE individualized programmes.

+Habilitation as a concept seeks to change the focus from treatment to empowerment and self determination by facilitating development and self insight in the individual on the basis of evaluation, reflection and action.