The WDRC 2025 Workshops provide an exclusive opportunity for participants to engage in hands-on, interactive sessions led by global experts, practitioners, and policymakers in disability rehabilitation and mental health. These workshops are designed to equip attendees with cutting-edge knowledge, practical skills, and actionable strategies to enhance their impact in research, policy development, and service implementation.
The New Era University
Darlene graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Nutrition, from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 2001. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education and Inclusive Education at New Era University, launching her career as a Special Education Teacher at Lagro High School in 2012, where she worked until 2019. Her qualifications include passing the United States Licensure Examination for Teachers (PRAXIS I) in 2006, the Career Service Professional Examination in 2007, and obtaining her Licensure as a Professional Teacher in 2009.
Darlene’s journey into Special Education began at Lagro High School in Quezon City, where she managed a multi-disability, multi-grade class, teaching students with a range of disabilities. This experience honed her expertise in classroom organization, curriculum adaptation, and instructional modification, establishing her as a skilled and compassionate educator.
Since joining Balibago Elementary School in 2019, Darlene has made substantial contributions to research in Special Education and Inclusive Education. She presented her study “Children-AT-Risk, Remediation, Identification and Early Detection (CARRIED): Transcending Education Beyond Barriers” at the 8th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In 2024, she presented “Support Provision for Receiving and Inclusive Education Teachers Empowerment (SPRITE): A New Milestone for Special Education and Inclusive Education” at the 9th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference in Bali, Indonesia.
Currently, Darlene serves as the Special Education Key Teacher and Research Coordinator at Balibago Elementary School. She is an active member of the Santa Rosa City Research Council, continuing her commitment to advancing inclusive education and contributing to impactful research in the field.
The “Educate and Accept Diversity (LEAD)” program blueprint focuses on establishing an inclusive and accessible special education framework tailored to the unique needs of developing countries. LEAD aims to address the barriers to education faced by children with disabilities, promote awareness and acceptance, and create an environment that nurtures diversity within educational settings. Here’s an overview of its key elements:
Primary Health Care Physician Public Health Specialist Research Consultant
Dr. Jeganish A, MBBS, MD (Community Medicine), a dedicated public health specialist and academician, is currently a Senior Resident in the Department of Community and Family
Medicine at AIIMS Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh. He holds the prestigious University Gold Medal in MD Community Medicine from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, awarded for his outstanding academic performance in University Examinations.
Dr. Jeganish is an experienced professional with expertise in primary health care, disability rights, and public health research. His key research works include studies on Perceptions of disability rights under the RPWD Act, Physical and mental health status of police personnel, , and the role of family members in antenatal decision-making. He has successfully presented his papers at various National and International conferences, including the 8th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference 2023 and ICOPH 2022.
In his professional journey, Dr. Jeganish has held various leadership and administrative positions, including serving as the President of the Alumni Association of Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and as General Secretary of the Postgraduate Student Council at St. John’s Medical College.
He has also contributed as a reviewer for reputed journals like IJOEM and PLOS Global Health Journal, and also a reviewer for various National and International conferences.
Dr. Jeganish’s commitment to inclusive public health is reflected in his involvement in innovative programs, such as Health Needs Assessments in underserved communities and his work as a consultant with NUHM Karnataka. He is also skilled in mentoring students research on disability rights and mental health integration.
With a passion for empowering communities and advancing inclusive rehabilitation strategies, Dr. Jeganish continues to contribute significantly to the field of disability and public health.
Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) for mental wellness emphasizes the integration of inclusive and empowering strategies within communities to address mental health challenges. It seeks to improve accessibility to care, reduce stigma, and foster sustainable support systems by leveraging local resources, training stakeholders, and promoting active participation of individuals in their rehabilitation journey. This approach prioritizes dignity, equity, and community ownership, ensuring holistic and culturally sensitive mental health interventions that empower individuals while strengthening the resilience of the communities they belong to.
Founder
Imperfectly Perfect Campaign
Australia
Co-founder of the YWDEP
Mauritius
Vice President of WDRPA
Kolpin & O’Connor Global Consultants, LLC.)
USA
At WDRC 2025, join a critical discussion on “Cultural Sensitivity in Disability and Rehabilitation Efforts”, moderated by Dr. Loren O’Connor, President of WDRPA and Former Assistant Vice Chancellor for the Office of Accessible Education. This session will explore the intersection of cultural norms, values, and disability rehabilitation, offering perspectives from a diverse panel of experts from across the globe.
President of WDRPA, Former University
Assistant Vice
Chancellor,
Office of Accessible Education.
Kolpin & O’Connor Global Consultants, LLC.
Co-founder of the YWDEP
Mauritius
President and CEO
Guided and Unified Interaction for the Development of Children, Inc.
Philippines
Vice President of WDRPA
Kolpin & O’Connor Global Consultants, LLC.)
USA
At WDRC 2025, the Storytelling Session is a powerful platform where individuals share lived experiences, challenges, and triumphs to reshape perceptions and foster a more inclusive world. Rooted in the theme of “Redefining Disability: Voices of Resilience and Empowerment,” this session will feature personal narratives that inspire, educate, and drive meaningful dialogue on accessibility, mental health, and social inclusion.
Imagine a world where collaboration drives impact, where knowledge transforms communities, and where your expertise creates lasting change. The TIIKM Synergy Hub is a global platform dedicated to fostering innovation, professional growth, and interdisciplinary solutions. As a multidisciplinary network, the Synergy Hub brings together professionals from diverse fields to drive meaningful initiatives. By joining forces, we tackle real-world challenges, implement community-driven solutions, and build a sustainable future through knowledge sharing, mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration.
The TIIKM Synergy Hub is calling leaders, professionals, and volunteers to be part of this global movement. Your expertise, passion, and commitment can make a difference!
Lead initiatives in your region and drive impactful projects.
Build networks, implement projects, and engage communities at the national level.
Contribute your time and skills to support meaningful initiatives.
The “Insight to Impact” Focus Group Discussion is an exclusive feature at ICOAH 2025, designed for participants looking to enhance the impact of their research, foster collaborations, navigate publishing challenges, and drive meaningful discussions related to the arts, humanities, and sustainable communities. This structured session provides a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, ensuring that research and creative practices translate into real-world impact. “From Insight to Action” – Focus Group Discussion at WDRC 2025
Celebrate a decade of progress and connection at the WDRC 10th Anniversary Nature Meditation and Global Appreciation Wall. This special feature invites participants to reflect, reconnect, and honor the journey of the global disability and rehabilitation community.
Mindfulness in Nature: Enhance the outdoor meditation experience with a guided sunrise or sunset yoga session. This peaceful practice can encourage participants to reflect on the progress made in the disability and rehabilitation sector while promoting physical and mental well-being.
Nature Meditation offers a serene space for mindfulness and contemplation, encouraging attendees to engage with nature’s restorative powers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of mental well-being and self-care in fostering inclusive communities.
The Global Appreciation Wall is a vibrant and interactive installation where participants can express gratitude, share their stories, and celebrate the collective achievements of the last 10 years. The wall symbolizes the unity of a global network committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility Tools