Plenary #4- NoSCoS Award Lecture
Tracks
Plenary Room: F1+F2+F3
| Friday, October 10, 2025 |
| 13:45 - 14:35 |
| Plenary Room F1+F2+F3 |
Details
"I moved from simply being to actively living." These words from a participant in a peer mentorship program encapsulate the essence of active rehabilitation. This lecture begins where our work begins: with people—facing the aftermath of injury, searching for purpose, community, and a way forward.
Active Rehabilitation (AR) is a specific community-based model that started in Sweden in 1976. It takes place at community settings and is a complement to hospital-based rehabilitation interventions. RG Aktiv Rehabilitering and the Sunnaas Foundation have worked together to pioneer the development and implementation of AR as a structured, peer-based methodology for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. Rooted in the principles of human rights, empowerment, and inclusion, this model supports individuals in reclaiming agency, functionality, and participation in all areas of life.
We will explore the development of this concept—from its grassroots origins to its current, evolving evidence interdisciplinary framework.
Drawing on recent research, we will highlight how peer mentors create spaces where participants feel truly “seen, heard, and understood.” These powerful moments of shared vulnerability and mutual recognition are more than therapeutic—they are transformative. Findings from new research demonstrates that the benefits of active rehabilitation extend beyond the initial program experience. Many participants continue their journey by becoming peer mentors themselves—gaining confidence, a renewed sense of purpose, and personal growth through helping others. The method unfolds in an organic, inclusive environment where everyone involved contributes and benefits. Active rehabilitation is not a one-time intervention, but a living community that evolves with those who take part in it.
We will examine how experiential learning, outdoor activities, peer mentoring, and cross-sectoral collaboration converge to form a unique and effective pathway to sustainable recovery, life mastery, and social reintegration.
The method is tailored to support individuals at different stages of rehabilitation, addressing both physical and psychosocial needs while promoting participation in work, education, sports, and social life.
Our collaborative work has demonstrated significant impact at both the individual and system levels. Today, the model is being scaled across more than 20 countries—demonstrating how human dignity, peer power, and structured support can drive lasting change.
This lecture offers key insights for clinicians, policymakers, and peer-led initiatives worldwide seeking to transform rehabilitation into a more holistic, inclusive, and empowering process—one that helps people move beyond survival, toward truly living.
Presenters: Veronika Lyckow & Per Jameson (RG Aktiv Rehabilitering), Marianne Holth Dybwad & Birgit Skarstein (The Sunnaas Foundation)
Presenter (if the session has co-presenters, they will be listed in the APP)
Veronika Lyckow, Per Jameson, Marianne Holth Dybwad & Birgit Skarstein
Active Rehabilitation: “A pathway to sustainable recovery, life mastery, and social reintegration
13:45 - 14:35Biography
Birgit Skarstein is a renowned Paralympic athlete with medals in both cross-country skiing and rowing. A board member of the Sunnaas Foundation since 2006, she has played a central role in shaping Active Rehabilitation in Norway. Birgit is a powerful advocate for inclusion and diversity, using her platform in media and public discourse to challenge stereotypes. As a peer mentor and role model, she inspires especially young girls with disabilities to pursue their ambitions.
Per Jameson is a social team player with 45 years’ experience in Active Rehabilitation. He broke his back when he was 18 years old and went straight into Active Rehabilitation camps, later becoming a peer mentor himself. Since then, he has not let his disability define either his life or him as a person. Per also played a central role in spreading Active Rehabilitation, especially in Ukraine. Today he runs JamesON AB as a leading expert on accessibility in the construction industry and also has long experience in regional politics.
Veronika Lyckow is the Chief Executive Officer of RG Active Rehabilitation in Sweden. With a background in internationeal drug-free sport, she has lots of experience in motivating people to work together for the greater good. Veronika is commited to promote equal opportunities for individuals with spinal cord injuries through the Active Rehabilitation model, both in Sweden and internationally.
Marianne Holth Dybwad is the Chief Executive Officer of the Sunnaas Foundation in Norway. She is a physiotherapist educated in Scotland with a Master’s degree in Medical Science and postgraduate studies in leadership. Under her leadership, the foundation has become a national force in bridging healthcare, sports science, work, and active leisure after injury. With over 25 years of international experience in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, she introduced the Swedish model of Active Rehabilitation to Norway and helped establish it as a national standard.
Per Jameson is a social team player with 45 years’ experience in Active Rehabilitation. He broke his back when he was 18 years old and went straight into Active Rehabilitation camps, later becoming a peer mentor himself. Since then, he has not let his disability define either his life or him as a person. Per also played a central role in spreading Active Rehabilitation, especially in Ukraine. Today he runs JamesON AB as a leading expert on accessibility in the construction industry and also has long experience in regional politics.
Veronika Lyckow is the Chief Executive Officer of RG Active Rehabilitation in Sweden. With a background in internationeal drug-free sport, she has lots of experience in motivating people to work together for the greater good. Veronika is commited to promote equal opportunities for individuals with spinal cord injuries through the Active Rehabilitation model, both in Sweden and internationally.
Marianne Holth Dybwad is the Chief Executive Officer of the Sunnaas Foundation in Norway. She is a physiotherapist educated in Scotland with a Master’s degree in Medical Science and postgraduate studies in leadership. Under her leadership, the foundation has become a national force in bridging healthcare, sports science, work, and active leisure after injury. With over 25 years of international experience in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, she introduced the Swedish model of Active Rehabilitation to Norway and helped establish it as a national standard.
Moderator
Claes Hultling
Ceo
Stiftelsen Spinalis
