Haus KoMeT in northern Germany is a centre for people with severe multiple disabilities. The name stands for 'conductive multiple therapy' (in German „Konduktiv Mehrfach Therapeutisch“). This innovative approach focuses on empowerment, participation, and daily engagement in life, offering far more than just therapy.
In this article, you can read about:
- Personal start – with a professional vision
- KoMeT: a home for learning through movement
- Innowalk Pro: movement that transforms lives
- Empowering Lives: A Holistic and Collaborative Approach
- And now - Shaping the future!
Personal start – with a professional vision
Haus KoMeT is founded by Rebecca Albers who is also the managing director. The concept grew organically from her own journey - shaped by personal experience, challenges, and a desire to create a space that reflects what she once needed herself.
„My son was born with a severe disability caused by oxygen deprivation. I had never had any prior experience with disability, but I immediately sensed that something wasn't right", Rebecca Albers explains.
She was bothered by the so-called “additive” approach to therapy, where individual treatments like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are carried out separately and often without coordination. For Rebecca Albers, it quickly became clear: „This isn’t how you treat a child-especially not one with such complex and intensive support needs.“
She discovered the alternative by chance, through an advert in the newspaper. She came across conductive education, a concept developed in Hungary that combines therapy and pedagogy. “I was immediately convinced,” she says. “There, people work according to an instructional approach that focuses on the learning process, not the disability.”
Albers received her training in conductive education at the renowned András Pető Institute in Vienna, as well as at several other institutions. In 1992 she established her first therapy group for individuals with disabilities. In 2022, she fulfilled a long-held goal by opening her own facility, Haus KoMeT, which accommodates nine residents and is supported by an interdisciplinary team.
KoMeT: a home for learning through movement
Nine young adults, some with profound multiple disabilities, currently live at Haus KoMeT. Many of them are classified as GMFCS Level 5, meaning they cannot move independently, even with a powered wheelchair.
I've had clients tell me, 'I feel like I'm imprisoned in my own body.' That's exactly where we step in.
But at Haus KoMeT, immobility doesn’t mean inactivity-quite the opposite. Each day begins with a mobilisation programme. There are exercise groups, movement sessions and group activities, alongside individual walking and standing training.
“For us, movement isn’t just therapy - it's a human right,” says Albers firmly. "I've had clients tell me, 'I feel like I'm imprisoned in my own body.' That's exactly where we step in. “
Innowalk Pro: movement that transforms lives
A key element of the concept is the Innowalk Pro, a movement therapy device that enables upright, guided walking movements even for individuals who cannot stand or walk on their own. Unlike static standing frames, the Innowalk Pro engages the entire body, including the legs, arms and trunk, as well as boosting circulation and self-esteem.
“The Innowalk Pro is like swimming on land,” says Albers. „Our clients feel light, upright and active; they experience themselves in a completely new way.“
What is special here is that the Innowalk Pro is not placed isolated in a therapy room, but in the middle of the group room.
"Those using the Innowalk Pro should be part of the action. For us, exercise is never something that happens in isolation. It's part of everyday life.“
It's not just about the physical effects, which are clearly noticeable. „We see improvements in motor skills, greater endurance, and better balance and posture, but above all, we see joy.“
One particularly touching example is a young man with severe impairment in one arm.
"His left hand used to hang down limply. Now, he can hold it up with the arm movement handles by himself. All I have to do is call out, ´Alex, left hand! 'and, bang, it's there. He corrects himself. That's real progress.”
In an environment where motor skill improvements are often small and hard-won, moments like these are priceless.
Rebecca Albers emphasises that the Innowalk Pro is not just a training tool, but real prevention.
“The continuous movement while standing is the best contracture prophylaxis I know. Many of our clients have hip issues or asymmetries – the Innowalk Pro helps counteract these at an early stage.”
She also values the relief it provides for the team.
I can't manually assist a client for 45 minutes – the Innowalk Pro does that automatically, and at a high standard. That's an enormous relief in our daily routine.
Albers recalls that the team was initially hesitant to use the device, but that was simply a matter of practice. Today, many staff members have been trained, transfers have become routine, and the Innowalk Pro has become an integral part of the daily schedule.
Although the KoMeT facility is well equipped, Albers strongly advocate for individual care in a home setting as well.
“I’m thinking of a young man from Hamburg who came to us requiring intensive support. If he’d had an Innowalk at home while still living there, perhaps it could have helped prevent the misalignment of his hips.”
The acquisition of the Innowalk Pro for the KoMeT was a story with a swift and happy ending.
“A clinic device became available at a special price. I needed the funds urgently, and the support association secured the financing within 24 hours. It felt like a gift. The Innowalk Pro was ready for use straight away.”
Since then, it has become an essential part of daily life at the facility.
Empowering Lives: A Holistic and Collaborative Approach
What truly sets Haus KoMeT apart is its transdisciplinary approach: nurses, educators, therapists, and trained assistants collaborate closely. Around half of the 22-member team has received additional training in conductive education, and all new staff are trained to become conductive rehabilitation specialists.
“We don't think in terms of professional boundaries,” explains Albers. ‘What matters to us is attitude, commitment, and a willingness to learn together. “
Haus KoMeT is more than just a therapy centre – it’s a home. The facility includes a spacious communal area, private apartments, music rooms, a kitchen, a garden and a greenhouse. Plans are also in place for an earth trampoline and an archery range.
“I love the trampoline, “says Albers, smiling. „It not only encourages movement but also stimulates language – and it's simply fun. “
Sports activities are also part of the programme, and the residents regularly participate in the Niebüll city run. This year, they walked 100 metres - with support, pride and plenty of cheers.
External guests are welcome too, either for intensive support or, in the future, as part of a planned parent-and-child group. „I want to show young families what is possible, and give them hope.“
And now - Shaping the future!
Haus KoMeT is a place that goes beyond traditional care - it is a pioneering model of inclusion and professional connection, and a powerful example of what therapy can truly represent: joy, participation, and personal growth.
Rebecca Albers is slowly beginning to think about the future. Not retirement just yet, but transition.
"I won't be building a second centre – others can do that. But I want to pass this one on to the right people with strong hearts, fresh ideas, and a shared vision”.
Despite all the enthusiasm, one thing is clear: Haus KoMeT needs more staff!
“We urgently need new team members — people who want to do work that matters. People who want to change lives, and be changed in return” Albers says and continue:
“Whether you are a nurse, therapist, educator or carer with a passion for helping others, and want to expand your knowledge and grow, there is a place for you at KoMeT. Our certified in-house training to become a conductive rehabilitation specialist opens doors to real development”.
At the Haus KoMeT, it's not just about support. It's about the seeing the whole person - their quality of life, their dignity, and their right to move freely. It's about movement in the purest, most meaningful sense.
Thank you very much, Rebecca Albers, for sharing your story with us!
