About RG
RG Aktiv Rehabilitering is a non-profit organization that has helped thousands of people live better, more independent lives. It has also contributed to improved spinal cord injury care in Sweden and shared its methods and successes with many other countries.
RG Aktiv Rehabilitering
RG Aktiv Rehabilitering is a non-profit organization that supports people with spinal cord injuries or similar conditions to live independent, active lives full of opportunities through peer mentors, inspiration, and rehabilitation.
Every year, around 300 people of all ages in Sweden sustain a spinal cord injury. In addition, many more live with similar conditions caused by other mobility impairments.
Why Does RG Exist?
Living with a physical disability can feel limiting, unfair, and hopeless – especially when caused by a traumatic injury in the middle of life. Becoming as independent as possible is not only the goal of rehabilitation but also a fundamental human right.
Hospital stays, rehabilitation, and habilitation can improve the situation, but learning to master the challenges of everyday life often requires something more. After hospital discharge, many people still have the potential to make significant physical and emotional progress in their rehabilitation.
RG acts as a bridge between healthcare and everyday life, enabling continued improvements through our method, Active Rehabilitation. This benefits the individual, their family, and society as a whole.
Our Vision
Inspiration and a fuller life for people with a spinal cord injury or similar conditions.
Our Mission
RG’s mission is to:
- Inspire people with spinal cord injuries or similar conditions to maximize their independence through training.
- Strengthen individuals’ courage, will, and ability to participate in society through peer mentorship, knowledge, and a possibility mindset.
- Be an international leader in Active Rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries.
Our Core Values
Our values guide how we act, relate to others, and what we hold most important in our work. RG’s core values consists of the three key words:
- Ownership – focusing on the individual’s personal authority and agency.
- Integrity – with respect for everyone’s privacy and dignity.
- Exploration – the Active Rehabilitation is an experiential method – individual power through curiosity and discovery.
RG’s History
RG’s activities began in the late 1970s. In January 1981, the first board meeting was held, and the organization “Rekryteringsgruppen” (The Recruitment Group) was founded.
Initially, the aim was to recruit more participants into parasports. But after the first training camp, it became clear that participants first needed to master more fundamental skills, such as dressing and showering, before moving on to international sports competition. As a result, the organization shifted its focus to physical and mental training for people with mobility impairments, aiming to foster independence, autonomy, and self-respect. Sports became one of several tools in this process.
Over time, the organization’s name changed to Rekryteringsgruppen för Aktiv Rehabilitering (The Recruitment Group for Active Rehabiliation), and eventually, it was shortened to RG Aktiv Rehabilitering.
Together with other organizations in the disability rights movement, RG has had a significant impact on how society views people with disabilities. We have fought for the freedom to take responsibility for one’s life circumstances, the freedom to set and achieve personal goals, and the freedom to believe in one’s own worth.
Our member magazine, Kick, has been our megaphone, and our peer mentors have successfully shared their knowledge through outreach, courses, and camps.
