Embrace the transformative future at the 9th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference 2024 (WDRC 2024)!

At WDRC 2024, expect illuminating discussions, groundbreaking insights, and invaluable networking opportunities, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive world. Join this pivotal event to be part of shaping a future where diversity and accessibility reign supreme. Together, let’s catalyze change and create a world that celebrates and supports all abilities.

“Empower collaboration, worldwide impact in disability studies advancement”

WDRC 2024 is a collaborative hub designed to unite academicians, professionals, policymakers, and scholars, facilitating the exchange of insights and experiences to advance disability studies and global rehabilitation efforts. Emphasizing active engagement from the global south, the conference is dedicated to empowering students and professionals by providing substantial opportunities to enhance their resources and networks, thereby fostering their crucial role in the ongoing development and enhancement of global disability studies and rehabilitation practices.

This gathering is dedicated to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an ambitious blueprint for a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Theme: “Awareness, Inclusiveness, Accessibility in a Changing World – Learn how to take action supporting People with Disabilities in a world with geopolitical, climate, and immigration changes.”
Conference Main Tracks
  • Disability Rights and Advocacy
  • Assistive Technology and Innovation
  • Health Systems and Social Protection
  • Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship
  • Mental Health and Well-being
  • Sports, Recreation, and Accessible Design
  • Aging, Disability, and Geriatric Rehabilitation
  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Action
  • Technology and Smart Living
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy

"Why Should You Attend WDRC 2024?"

Inspiring Global Speakers

Conference Chair

Dr. Loren O’Connor

President of WDRPA, Former University Assistant Vice
Chancellor, Office of Accessible Education.
Kolpin &

O’Connor Global Consultants, LLC.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Joel Snyder, PhD

The President of Audio Description Associates, LLC
The Founding Director Emeritus of the Audio Description Project of the American Council of the Blind
USA

Keynote Speaker

Assoc Prof. Eliza Chandler

Co-Director of Bodies in Translation Project
School of Disability Studies
Toronto Metropolitan University
Canada.

Keynote Speaker

Aiko Akiyama

Expert Disability Inclusion
Social Affairs Officer, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section, Social Development Division
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jose Frantz

Co-Director of Bodies in Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation
University of the Western Cape
South Africa

Plenary Speaker

Dr. Gerry Duwin Dela Zerna

The President and CEO
Guided and Unified Interaction for the Development of Children, Inc.
Philippines

Session Chairs

  1. NELITA F. BELENA, DepEd- SDO Paranaque, Philippines
  2.  PROF. ALESSANDRA BARROS, CERMES3 – Université Paris Cité/ PPGEFHC – Universidade Federal da Bahia
  3. SARAH WALL, Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom
  4. MAKWENA MIDAH SIBUYI, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa
  5. JOVERTLEE CADAGUIT PUDAN, Philippine Christian University, Philippines
  6. Dr. Selahattin Aydin, Istanbul Kent University, Turkey
  7. Dr Dorota Kobus-Ostrowska, University of Lodz, Poland
  8. Assis. Prof. Muna AlHammadi, College of Education,Zayed University, Dubai, UAE
  9. Dr. Chikako Yamaki, Institute for Cancer Control, National Cancer Center, Japan

Evaluation Panel

  1. Dr. Loren O’Conner, President of WDRPA, Former University Assistant Vice Chancellor, Office of Accessible Education, Kolpin & O’Connor Global Consultants, LLC”
  2. Dr Dorota Kobus-Ostrowska, University of Lodz, Poland
  3. Dr. Komang Ayu Kartika Sari, MPH, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
  4. Dr. Gerry Duwin Dela Zerna, The President and CEO, Guided and Unified Interaction for the Development of Children, Inc., Philippines
  5. NI WAYAN SEPTARINI MD, MPH, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
  6. Assis. Prof. Muna AlHammadi, College of Education,Zayed University, Dubai, UAE
  7. Dr. Selahattin Aydin, Istanbul Kent University, Turkey
  8. Dr. Anak Agung Gede Eka Septian Utama, S.Ft.,Ftr.,M.Fis, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
  9. Dr. Tri Siswati, Poltekkes Kemenkes Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  10. Dr. Muhammad Farrukh Habib, Shifa Tameer E Millat University Islamabad      
  11. Dr. Santosh Mishra, S. N. D. T. Women’s University, India
  12. Dr. Adam Dawria, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia
  13. Dr. Saniya Sadaf Khan, New York Medical College, USA

Special Feature

Dr. Loren O’Connor

President of WDRPA, Former University Assistant Vice
Chancellor, Office of Accessible Education.
Kolpin &
O’Connor Global Consultants, LLC.

Panel Discussion on “Awareness, Inclusiveness, Accessibility in a Changing World; Actively supporting Persons with Disabilities amidst a Dynamic World””

This Panel Discussion represents a progressive initiative which has the potential to make a substantial impact on awareness and positive transformation.

Elevating Skills and Expertise: Professional Development Workshops

Mr. Kasunjith Satanarachchi

Independent Disability Rights Advocate

Workshop on “Empowering Change: Diverse Abilities Towards a Barrier-Free Future

A transformative workshop designed for project officers and NGOs committed to fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

Dr. Thierry Kolpin

Vice President of WDRPA
Kolpin & O’Connor Global Consultants, LLC.)
USA

Workshop on “Mental Health: The Cornerstone of Health and Well-being: Exploring Aspects, Addressing Issues, and Fostering Open Conversations Across Diverse Populations”

This workshop, centered on mental health and psychological issues, offers a comprehensive discussion on the challenges faced by diverse populations.

Mr. Isanka P. Gamage
The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM),
Sri Lanka

Workshop on “Blissful Moments: Joyful Mindfulness and Well-being Activities”

This session is inclusively designed to provide participants with rejuvenating moments that prioritize both mental and physical health.
Aiko Akiyama
Expert Disability Inclusion Social Affairs Officer, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Section, Social Development Division United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

Thematic Workshop

“Advancing disability inclusion in a changing world to attain sustainable and inclusive societies”

Publication Opportunities in WDRC 2024

“We believe your paper deserves to meet its ultimate research destination!”

Featured Peer – Reviewed Journals

As a conference Participant in the conference, you have the opportunity to submit your comprehensive manuscripts to internationally accredited, peer-reviewed journals, associated with esteemed publishing entities. Subsequent to submission, your manuscript will undergo rigorous quality assessments. Only manuscripts that successfully meet the established scholarly standards will be considered for publication.

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Possible Special Issues

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Possible Regular Issues

Do you need our support to access the scholarly standards of your paper as well as to develop the paper? Click here to refer the Publishelp service for WDRC 2024.

This service is freely available to all registered (paid) conference participants

OUR NETWORK

LISTEN TO WHAT OUR COMMUNITY HAS TO SAY

We take pride in developing positive relationships with our participants and hearing positive feedback about our Conference. Read on to find out what they have to say about #WDRC!

▬ GLOBAL SYNERGY ▬

Partnerships that Drive Our Conference Success