Marie BARHOUCHE ABOU SAAB

Chargé de Cours - Vacataire - DPT

(+961) 1 421 000 ext marie.barhouche1@usj.edu.lb

Marie is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of expertise in the field of posture, seating, and mobility. She attained her Doctorate in Physiotherapy in 2016 (Saint Joseph University-Beirut, USJ) and recently completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Posture, Seating, and Wheelchair Mobility (University of Limerick-Ireland).

Currently serving as the Head of the Technical Aids Unit at SESOBEL, Marie oversees a workshop dedicated to crafting custom-made products for individuals with disabilities, according to WHO standards. She is a lecturer at USJ and provides basic wheelchair courses for PT and OT students.

She is a WHO-certified trainer for the Wheelchair Service Training Package (WSTP), basic and intermediate levels. She offers clinical consultations and audits to wheelchair users, clinicians, and professionals across Lebanon and Arab countries (Syria, Dubai, Jordan).

Throughout her career, Marie has developed training courses and workshops focusing on seating and 24-hour postural management. She collaborates with professionals representing local and international associations (ICRC, WRF, HI), serving Syrian refugees and Lebanese individuals with lower incomes. 

Marie is a member of the board of directors at the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP). She has contributed to the development of the Wheelchair Educator Package (WEP) and the Wheelchair Provision Guidelines in collaboration with WHO. Marie is widely recognized as a skilled and experienced clinician and presenter. She has presented at numerous conferences domestically and internationally.

In Lebanon, Marie plays a crucial role in raising awareness on the importance of assistive technology, advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities and contributing to the development of a more inclusive and compassionate society.