A safe space for black Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapist, Assistants and Students to feel seen, heard and empowered.

Black in Rehab is a vibrant celebration of Black rehabilitation therapists, designed to empower professionals and students alike. Our mission is to foster a community of like-minded individuals who support each other through open and honest conversations that promote personal and professional growth, as well as health advocacy.

We aim to create a safe space where the unique inspirations and challenges of being a Black professional in the field can be shared and understood.

A key goal is to increase the percentage of Black students and clinicians in Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), and Physical Therapy (PT) in all sectors.

Our Mission

Modern building with a unique, angular design, surrounded by a grassy area and a few flowering trees, under a mostly clear blue sky with some clouds.

Join us in Washington DC 2025

Join us June 20-23, 2025, for a transformative weekend of connection, growth, and celebration in the heart of Washington, DC. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

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Three people standing together at an outdoor event, wearing colorful traditional African clothing, smiling.

Join Us in Ghana 2026

Join us June 17-27, 2026 for a transformative journey where heritage, restoration, and purpose come together. Celebrate, serve, and reconnect in the heart of Africa. This is more than a trip—it’s a homecoming.

Don’t miss it!

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A woman with dark hair wearing a purple dress with cutouts is speaking into a microphone at an indoor event, holding a piece of paper in her hand.
Five women dressed in colorful outfits standing together and smiling for a photo indoors, with candles and a rock wall in the background.

Highlights of BIR Events

Every year, during an unforgettable Juneteenth weekend, we bring our mission to life through dynamic events that uplift, educate, and unite Black rehabilitation professionals. Through community, culture, and collaboration, we strengthen our impact, foster growth, and shape a future where we thrive—together.

A person sitting on a cushion on a colorful rug, playing a singing bowl with a mallet, surrounded by other singing bowls and a smartphone, against a pink wall with a plant in the background.
A group of diverse women sitting at tables in a conference room, listening to a speaker at the front, with some taking notes and others looking attentive.
Three women standing in front of a black door with a white hand graphic, smiling and posing for a photo on the sidewalk.
A group of 15 people, mostly women, standing together in a room, smiling at the camera, wearing white T-shirts with a logo and text, some in glasses, with chairs and a whiteboard behind them.
A group of people participating in a yoga class in a dimly lit room with red lighting. They are on yoga mats, stretching with their hands forward. Water bottles and personal items are placed nearby.
A group of ten diverse people sitting around a long table in a lively, colorful bar or arcade. They are smiling, and some have drinks, food, or smartphones. The background shows arcade machines, a lit-up gaming area, and vibrant lighting.
Group of friends celebrating at a restaurant, toasting with drinks and taking photos.
Woman smiling and holding a red photo frame that reads 'Black in Rehab Retreat 2022' at an indoor event.
A group of twelve women and one man posing together in a restaurant or bar, with a bar in the background. The women are wearing colorful outfits and the man is wearing a pink shirt and blue shorts. Everyone is smiling.
Group of people practicing yoga on a sandy beach with palm trees, buildings, and a cloudy sky in the background.
Three women in a room engaged in conversation. One woman standing holds a coffee cup, and two women are seated at a small table with game pieces and cards. The room has a granite countertop and wall art depicting nature scenes.
A group of women gathered outdoors for a photo, holding a colorful frame that says 'Black in Rehab Retreat 2022,' dressed in black and smiling.
Four women sitting on a couch in a room decorated with abstract art, wearing colorful dresses and smiling at the camera, with a bottle of water, a glass with a lemon slice, and some electronic devices on the table in front of them.
Women gathered at a celebration in a stylish venue, with a large sign that reads 'Welcome Black in Rehab' in the background.
Three people standing together in front of a couch, wearing matching grey T-shirts with a logo and text. The man in the middle has a beard and is wearing black shorts and sneakers. The woman on the left has braids and is wearing black pants and sandals. The woman on the right has glasses, long braided hair, and is wearing light blue jeans and pink sneakers. Behind them are two lamps and a framed picture on the wall.
Group of ten people sitting on a gray couch and chairs in a living room, smiling and posing for the photo, with a TV and decorative shelves on the wall behind them.
A young woman in a patterned sleeveless top and matching skirt making a playful peace sign pose in a nightclub with colorful lights and a brick wall in the background.
Two women in pink dresses standing next to a sign that reads "Welcome to Black in Rehab Retreat" at an indoor event.
Graphic review for retreat titled 'Retreat Review' with five-star rating, photo of Kaitlyn Smart, Occupational Therapist, and a testimonial about a rehab retreat experience.
A review poster for a retreat featuring a person and a quote. The poster has a gray and white background, black and orange text, five black stars, and a circular photo of a smiling woman sitting in a vehicle.
Event flyer for RETREAT Review by Keisha Oumpational Therapist featuring a photo of Keisha, a testimonial about the rehab event, and the title BLACK IN REHAB.
A graphic design featuring the title 'Retreat Review' with a photo of a woman smiling and holding a skull. The review is from Akida OT Student, with a five-star rating and a written testimonial about her experience at a rehab retreat.
Testimonial review for retreat, featuring a photo of a smiling woman wearing a yellow hat, and text about her experience at a Black rehab retreat for occupational therapy students.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Logo with a medical caduceus symbol above the word 'OT' in blue and gold, and the text 'DESIGNZ' with the tagline 'Strive & Thrive in Style' below.
Graphic text with the name 'Jaanuu' and a small tag reading 'by Dr. Mela' attached to the letter 'u'.
A logo featuring a stylized lotus flower in teal with the words "VAKAE LUXE" written below, surrounded by a circular arrangement of text reading "VAKAE LUXE" repeatedly in gold.
Drawing of a bear with a backpack next to the words 'garde malade' in black text.
Two pairs of athletic shoes, one in white and blue, the other in black, with the word 'clove' overlayed.