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September15–21

​Rehab Week – September 15-21, 2025

​Rehab Week is a time to acknowledge the many benefits that can arise from rehab programs. It highlights the positive impact that these services make in the lives of people in need. This week recognizes that every person deserves to live his/her life to the fullest. Here at National Today, we are excited to celebrate rehabilitation services all week long.

​Rehab Week timeline

​1976
National Rehabilitiation Awareness Week ​

The first ever National Rehabilitation Awareness Week kicked off. ​

​1947
Alcoholic Rehabilitation Act​

The Alcoholic Rehabilitation Act became the first piece of federal legislation that formally recognized someone who suffers from alcoholism as having a sickness. ​

​March 1921
Physical therapy in print ​

​"The PT Review" featured the first ever published piece of physical therapy research in print.

​1921
Occupational therapy became legitimate

The medical community officially recognized occupational therapy as a profession.

1864
New York State Inebriate Asylum founded​

The first hospital created to solely treat alcoholism opened.

How to Observe ​Rehab Week

  1. Support the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation (NRAF)

    The NRAF does lots of meaningful work. Why not show your support by making a donation or purchasing some National Rehabilitation Awareness Week swag that may be for sale?

  2. Attend a lecture about rehabilitation services

    Seek out a brief community lecture about a specific area of rehabilitation. A few examples: speech therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, or even physical therapy.

  3. Drop off baked good to hospital rehab staff

    Show your appreciation to staff members who work so tirelessly to provide rehab services.

​5 Intriguing Facts About Rehabilitation Services

  1. ​A more holistic approach

    Substance rehab services are recognizing the importance of incorporating yoga, mental health counseling, and nutritional programs into treatment options. ​

  2. Physical ladies

    In the beginning, women dominated the field of physical therapy.​

  3. ​No graduate degree required

    Up until the 1990s only a bachelor's degree was required in order to perform physical therapy. ​

  4. ​Basket weaving or therapy?

    Occupational therapy originated from the practice of basket weaving.​

  5. ​Ancient Greeks and Occupational Therapy

    Dating back to as early as 100 BC, Greek physicians used Occupational Therapy techniques. ​

Why ​Rehab Week is Important

  1. National Rehabilitation Awareness Week acknowledges professionals in the field

    These include the dedicated individuals who provide rehab services to people in need.

  2. National Rehabilitation Awareness Week is a time to educate the public

    The National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation strives to highlight the positive impact that these services have in the lives of children, adults, and older adults alike.

  3. This week acknowledges many different types of rehab services

    Rehab can benefit a person physically, mentally, and spiritually. Whether someone is undergoing inpatient care following a major surgery or attends a therapy session once a week to correct a minor issue, rehab services are there to help be a guide on the road to recovery.

​Rehab Week dates

Year Date Day
2021 September 20 Monday
2022 September 19 Monday
2023 September 18 Monday
2024 September 16 Monday
2025 September 15 Monday