Realize is a national, charitable organization that responds to the rehabilitation needs of people living with HIV and other episodic disabilities. We bridge the traditionally separate worlds of HIV, disability and rehabilitation. Through research, education and cross-sector partnerships we are working to improve the lives of people with HIV. We work with: ∙ People living with HIV to improve awareness of, and access to, rehabilitation programs and services. ∙ AIDS service organizations to explain how rehabilitation can be integrated into the programs and services they provide. ∙ Rehabilitation and other health care providers to explain the crucial role of rehabilitation in treating HIV and how they can apply their training to give people living with HIV better and more integrated care. ∙ Employers to look at ways of diversifying their work force by creating an organizational culture that welcomes and values the experience and perspectives of people living with HIV. ∙ Governments to better coordinate policies and programs, and improve legislation affecting people living with HIV and other “episodic disabilities”. ∙ Insurance companies to train front-line insurance staff and to develop more flexible policies to provide access to rehabilitation for people living with HIV. ∙ Pharmaceutical companies to promote understanding of how rehabilitation can help people living with HIV to stay on their medication by minimizing side effects. ∙ Other health groups serving people with “episodic disabilities” (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, mental illness) to identify common challenges and work together on solutions. ∙ Researchers and academics to identify emerging issues and undertake research on rehabilitation and HIV.
