RI Regions
Africa

Demelash Bekele is a leader in the realms of social work and disability advocacy, boasting a career spanning over two decades. Currently serving Rehabilitation International as Deputy Vice President for Africa region and a founder and Executive Director of the Ethiopian-based NGO, VCBRA (Vision Community Based Rehabilitation Association). Additionally, he contributes as an International Disability Consultant at Light for the World (LFTW), further extending his impact across borders. He is an alumnus of Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned a master’s degree in social work. His academic achievements are complemented by his status as a Fellow of the prestigious Acumen Fellowship Program, where he engages in research and initiatives aimed at advancing disadvantaged community rights and inclusion. In his illustrious career journey, he has served as Board Chairperson of Community-Based Rehabilitation Network Ethiopia, further cementing his dedication to fostering inclusive practices and empowerment within communities.
News & Events
OPEN CALL: Resilient & Inclusive Cities Hub – Small scale grants for innovative solutions
The Resilient and Inclusive Cities Hub hosted by the Global Disability Fund is launching a call for small scale innovation solutions for inclusive and sustainable cities. The call is open to INGOs, OPDs, Development Banks, UN Agencies,...
Global Study Exposes Critical Data Gaps in Mental Health Prevalence-Children and Low-Income Countries Most Affected
A study published in The Lancet Global Health on April 24, 2025, has revealed a stark reality for global mental health: more than 80 percent of countries and territories lack recent, nationally representative data on the prevalence of mental health conditions, with...
Webinar Psychosocial support for persons with spinal cord injury in African rural low income settings
Registration: https://shorturl.at/on4M8
RI Newsletter April 2025
Dear Members of Rehabilitation International, Friends and Partners of Rehabilitation International, And All Interested Readers, Welcome to the April 2025 edition of the Rehabilitation International Newsletter. This issue features key highlights: Inside RI: RI...
Call for Applications to host the 25th RI World Congress in 2028
As one of RI’s most significant events, the World Congress is an unparalleled opportunity to bring together international leaders, experts, and advocates committed to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disability on a global level. The Congress serves...
Is Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Treatment Worth It?
A study from Sweden casts doubt on the long-assumed superiority of interdisciplinary treatment (IDT) for chronic pain patients receiving partial disability pensions. Despite IDT’s prominence in national healthcare strategies, researchers found no significant...
Support our work.
Make a difference in the lives of disabled people around the world. RI welcomes new opportunities to expand its own capacities through collaboration with other organizations.