The 11th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference 2026 (WDRC 2026)
10th to 11th August 2026
Bali, Indonesia
JOIN PHYSICALLY OR VIRTUALLY
Theme: "The Sustainable Advantage: Human Relations, Technology, and Mental Health for Disability Inclusion."
Overview
"Redefining Ability. Reshaping the Future."
For over 10 remarkable years, the World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference (WDRC) has stood as a global movement of inclusion, innovation, and transformation. Rooted in the belief that the voices of persons with disabilities have the power to reshape societies, WDRC has evolved into a dynamic hub where research meets advocacy, and where evidence-based practice inspires meaningful real-world change.
This premier platform brings together researchers, rehabilitation professionals, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, educators, community leaders, disability advocates, and industry experts who share one common vision - to advance disability rights, accessibility, inclusive development, and equitable participation in every sphere of life.
At WDRC 2026, participants will engage in impactful and forward-thinking discussions on disability rights, rehabilitation innovation, inclusive education, assistive technologies, accessibility, social participation, and policy reform - working collectively to build a more inclusive and barrier-free world for all.
Why should you join WDRC 2026?
- 10+ years advancing disability inclusion
- 60+ countries represented globally
- 180+ institutions collaborating worldwide
- 6000+ professionals united for accessibility
Be part of the global movement for inclusion, empowerment, and accessibility.
Key Features of WDRC 2026
Multidisciplinary Presentations
WDRC 2026 will showcase diverse presentations covering disability studies, rehabilitation sciences, mental health, assistive technology, inclusive education, policy development, and community-based practices. These sessions bring together researchers, practitioners, advocates, and persons with disabilities to share innovative research, lived experiences, and transformative solutions.
Workshops and Policy Dialogues
Engage in interactive workshops, technical sessions, and policy discussions focused on advancing accessibility, rehabilitation strategies, inclusive technologies, and rights-based approaches. These sessions aim to equip professionals and institutions with practical tools to implement sustainable disability inclusion initiatives.
Networking Opportunities
WDRC 2026 creates a dynamic space for global collaboration among academics, clinicians, policymakers, NGOs, and industry experts. Participate in networking forums, special interest group discussions, and partnership-building sessions designed to foster impactful collaborations and cross-sector innovation.
Publication Opportunities
Participants will have the opportunity to submit full papers to internationally recognized journals through TIIKM's publication facilitation services, ensuring their research contributes to global scholarship in disability and rehabilitation.
Awards of Excellence
WDRC 2026 will recognize outstanding contributions through awards such as Best Presenter and Best Overall Presenter, honoring research excellence, innovation, and leadership in advancing disability inclusion worldwide.
The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), in collaboration with the hosting, academic, and media partners of the Conference, cordially invites you and your colleagues to submit abstracts of your original research papers to be eligible to participate in the 11th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference 2026. We welcome papers for the selection of oral presentations, poster presentations, online oral presentations (live Zoom presentations), pre-recorded video options, and online poster presentations.
Conference Tracks:
Mental Health and Well-being in Disability Communities
Education, Employment, and Economic Empowerment
Rehabilitation Practices and Therapeutic Approaches
Assistive Technology and Innovation, Future Directions in Disability and Rehabilitation
Inclusive Healthcare Systems and the UN SDG Agenda
Abstract Submission Deadline: 24th March 2026
Submit Your Abstract to:
himavi.a@tiikmedu.com / secretariat@disabilityconference.co
OR use the online submission portal:
https://disabilityconference.tiikm.com/abstract-submission/
Register as attendee/listener at:
https://disabilityconference.tiikm.com/attendee-registration/#register-here
Visit our official website:
https://disabilityconference.tiikm.com
Conference Chair and Committee
Conference Chair
Dr. Loren O'Connor
President of WDRPA,
Former University Assistant Vice Chancellor,
Office of Accessible Education. Kolpin and O'Connor Global Consultants, LLC
Plenary and Keynote Speakers
Prof. Umesh Sharma
Keynote Speaker
Vice Provost (People and Culture) and Professor,
University of Nottingham Ningbo,
China
Prof. Tom Shakespeare (Virtual)
Keynote Speaker
Professor of disability research,
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine,
UK
Mrs. Maulani. A Rotinsulu
Keynote Speaker
Secretary General, ASEAN Disability Forum,
Indonesia
Dr. Libby Callaway
Plenary Speaker
National Assistive Technology Alliance Chair, Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA)
Deputy Director, RAIL Research Centre,
Monash University,
Australia
Dr. Joseph Carlton Barry Sr
Plenary Speaker
University of Kentucky,
USA
Dr. Pubalin Das
Plenary Speaker
Senior Psychologist and Professor, Singhania University
Founder, Heart2Mind Psychological Services
India
Dr. Sunita Sivakumaran
Storyteller
Principal, Taarana School for Special Needs,
Petaling Jaya,
Malaysia
Steering Committee members
Dr. Gerry Duwin A. Dela Zerna
President and CEO Guided and Unified Interaction for the Development of Children, Inc. Philippines
Dr. Thierry Kolpin
Vice President of WDRPA Kolpin and O'Connor Global Consultants, LLC
USA
Ms. Zahra Hosaneea
Co-founder of the YWDEP Mauritius
Mr. Nekram Upadhyay
Managing Director, Medyvok Healthcare
Chairman, i-CReAT Foundation - International Centre for Research on Assistive Technology and Accessibility New Delhi,
India
Partnerships that Drive Our Conference Success
HOSTING PARTNERS
World Disability and Rehabilitation Processionals Association
Dwijendra University, Bali, Indonesia
SPONSORSHIP PARTNER
Rock Creek Foundation - USA
The Affiliated Santee Group
STRATEGIC PARTNER
Youth with Disabilities Empowerment Platform- Mauritius
Turkish White Association (TURKIYE BEYAZAY DERNEGI) Turkey
Kolpin and O'Connor Global Consultants USA
Tamahar Trust, India
Taarana, Special Needs Education, Malaysia
ACADEMIC PARTNER
Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz - Poland
University of Granada- Spain
University of Venda - Faculty of Health
Mazoon College - Oman
University of the Western Cape - South Africa
College of Law, University of South Africa (UNISA)
University of Pretoria - South Africa
Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB), Cameroon
Istanbul Aydin University (IAU), Turkey
Singhania University, India
German Jordanian University (GJU), Jordan
Inclusive Practices Africa (IPA), University of Cape Town, South Africa
Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice, Utah State University, USA
WDRC 2026 provides you with the following FREE Publication Opportunities
*No Submission or Publication Charges for Supporting Journals
PUBLISH HELP
A breakthrough free TIIKM project to make your research publication possible.
Preliminary reviews for your full paper with the world-class publication "Steering Committee" before the conference.
One of the major issues faced by novice researchers/authors in the present is the lack of perspectives to improve writing for academic publications. "PUBLISHelp" is introduced by TIIKM to help authors develop their full papers before the conference. Once the request is made, a steering committee member will be assigned to provide the author with developmental comments to improve the full paper. Our main goal is to assist our conference participants to keep one step ahead by improving their valuable research papers.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication
Featured Special Issues
- Journal of Loss and Trauma: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/upil20
- Wearable Technologies: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/wearable-technologies
Esteemed Regular Issues
- Health Communication: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/hhth20
- Journal of Integrated Care: https://www.emerald.com/jica
- International Journal on Disability and Human Development: https://novapublishers.com/shop/international-journal-on-disability-and-human-development/
- International Public Health Journal: https://novapublishers.com/shop/international-public-health-journal/
- Journal of Alternative Medicine Research: https://novapublishers.com/shop/journal-of-alternative-medicine-research/
The author instructions and submission guidelines for your desired journals will be sent to you separately.
All peer-reviewed journals are subject to the double-blind peer-review process. The decision on publication will depend on the peer-review process. Participants are advised to read the journal's scope and aim before deciding on a suitable journal. We follow universally accepted ethics on publication. Accordingly, a guarantee for publication will not be issued before the submission has been made and the review process has been completed. The publisher does not charge any money for the publication of non-open-access content.
Program Highlights and Opportunities Available in WDRC 2026
- FREE publication and free review support for full paper publication
- Opportunity to publish in high-ranked supporting journals and open access for proceedings with OJS
- Access to 3-Day conference program (all sessions, workshops, and panel discussions)
- Publication workshops/policy discussions/workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Awards for best presenters
- Visit one of the most popular travel destinations in the world: Bali, Indonesia
** Since you are a Conal Conference Alerts subscriber, we would like to offer a 10% discount on the registration fees. Please submit your abstract on or before 24th March 2026 to claim this offer. Use promo code #WDRCC1 Conal when you submit the paper.
** This remarkable platform for sharing knowledge is accessible to non-presenters as well! Click REGISTER NOW to join the interactive audience:
https://disabilityconference.tiikm.com/attendee-registration/#register-here
We eagerly await your response and kindly ask that you share this email with your university colleagues.
Contact us:
International Conference Coordinator – Ms. Himavi Athauda
The International Institute of Knowledge Management
531/18, Kotte Road | Pita Kotte | Zip Code 10100 | Sri Lanka
Tel: 0094 11799 2022
Direct Contact (WhatsApp): +94 714015313
Email: himavi.a@tiikmedu.com
Enquiries: himavi.a@tiikmedu.com
Web address: https://disabilityconference.tiikm.com/
10th to 11th August 2026
Bali, Indonesia
JOIN PHYSICALLY OR VIRTUALLY
Theme: "The Sustainable Advantage: Human Relations, Technology, and Mental Health for Disability Inclusion."
Overview
"Redefining Ability. Reshaping the Future."
For over 10 remarkable years, the World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference (WDRC) has stood as a global movement of inclusion, innovation, and transformation. Rooted in the belief that the voices of persons with disabilities have the power to reshape societies, WDRC has evolved into a dynamic hub where research meets advocacy, and where evidence-based practice inspires meaningful real-world change.
This premier platform brings together researchers, rehabilitation professionals, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, educators, community leaders, disability advocates, and industry experts who share one common vision - to advance disability rights, accessibility, inclusive development, and equitable participation in every sphere of life.
At WDRC 2026, participants will engage in impactful and forward-thinking discussions on disability rights, rehabilitation innovation, inclusive education, assistive technologies, accessibility, social participation, and policy reform - working collectively to build a more inclusive and barrier-free world for all.
Why should you join WDRC 2026?
- 10+ years advancing disability inclusion
- 60+ countries represented globally
- 180+ institutions collaborating worldwide
- 6000+ professionals united for accessibility
Be part of the global movement for inclusion, empowerment, and accessibility.
Key Features of WDRC 2026
Multidisciplinary Presentations
WDRC 2026 will showcase diverse presentations covering disability studies, rehabilitation sciences, mental health, assistive technology, inclusive education, policy development, and community-based practices. These sessions bring together researchers, practitioners, advocates, and persons with disabilities to share innovative research, lived experiences, and transformative solutions.
Workshops and Policy Dialogues
Engage in interactive workshops, technical sessions, and policy discussions focused on advancing accessibility, rehabilitation strategies, inclusive technologies, and rights-based approaches. These sessions aim to equip professionals and institutions with practical tools to implement sustainable disability inclusion initiatives.
Networking Opportunities
WDRC 2026 creates a dynamic space for global collaboration among academics, clinicians, policymakers, NGOs, and industry experts. Participate in networking forums, special interest group discussions, and partnership-building sessions designed to foster impactful collaborations and cross-sector innovation.
Publication Opportunities
Participants will have the opportunity to submit full papers to internationally recognized journals through TIIKM's publication facilitation services, ensuring their research contributes to global scholarship in disability and rehabilitation.
Awards of Excellence
WDRC 2026 will recognize outstanding contributions through awards such as Best Presenter and Best Overall Presenter, honoring research excellence, innovation, and leadership in advancing disability inclusion worldwide.
The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), in collaboration with the hosting, academic, and media partners of the Conference, cordially invites you and your colleagues to submit abstracts of your original research papers to be eligible to participate in the 11th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference 2026. We welcome papers for the selection of oral presentations, poster presentations, online oral presentations (live Zoom presentations), pre-recorded video options, and online poster presentations.
Conference Tracks:
Mental Health and Well-being in Disability Communities
Education, Employment, and Economic Empowerment
Rehabilitation Practices and Therapeutic Approaches
Assistive Technology and Innovation, Future Directions in Disability and Rehabilitation
Inclusive Healthcare Systems and the UN SDG Agenda
Abstract Submission Deadline: 24th March 2026
Submit Your Abstract to:
himavi.a@tiikmedu.com / secretariat@disabilityconference.co
OR use the online submission portal:
https://disabilityconference.tiikm.com/abstract-submission/
Register as attendee/listener at:
https://disabilityconference.tiikm.com/attendee-registration/#register-here
Visit our official website:
https://disabilityconference.tiikm.com
Conference Chair and Committee
Conference Chair
Dr. Loren O'Connor
President of WDRPA,
Former University Assistant Vice Chancellor,
Office of Accessible Education. Kolpin and O'Connor Global Consultants, LLC
Plenary and Keynote Speakers
Prof. Umesh Sharma
Keynote Speaker
Vice Provost (People and Culture) and Professor,
University of Nottingham Ningbo,
China
Prof. Tom Shakespeare (Virtual)
Keynote Speaker
Professor of disability research,
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine,
UK
Mrs. Maulani. A Rotinsulu
Keynote Speaker
Secretary General, ASEAN Disability Forum,
Indonesia
Dr. Libby Callaway
Plenary Speaker
National Assistive Technology Alliance Chair, Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA)
Deputy Director, RAIL Research Centre,
Monash University,
Australia
Dr. Joseph Carlton Barry Sr
Plenary Speaker
University of Kentucky,
USA
Dr. Pubalin Das
Plenary Speaker
Senior Psychologist and Professor, Singhania University
Founder, Heart2Mind Psychological Services
India
Dr. Sunita Sivakumaran
Storyteller
Principal, Taarana School for Special Needs,
Petaling Jaya,
Malaysia
Steering Committee members
Dr. Gerry Duwin A. Dela Zerna
President and CEO Guided and Unified Interaction for the Development of Children, Inc. Philippines
Dr. Thierry Kolpin
Vice President of WDRPA Kolpin and O'Connor Global Consultants, LLC
USA
Ms. Zahra Hosaneea
Co-founder of the YWDEP Mauritius
Mr. Nekram Upadhyay
Managing Director, Medyvok Healthcare
Chairman, i-CReAT Foundation - International Centre for Research on Assistive Technology and Accessibility New Delhi,
India
Partnerships that Drive Our Conference Success
HOSTING PARTNERS
World Disability and Rehabilitation Processionals Association
Dwijendra University, Bali, Indonesia
SPONSORSHIP PARTNER
Rock Creek Foundation - USA
The Affiliated Santee Group
STRATEGIC PARTNER
Youth with Disabilities Empowerment Platform- Mauritius
Turkish White Association (TURKIYE BEYAZAY DERNEGI) Turkey
Kolpin and O'Connor Global Consultants USA
Tamahar Trust, India
Taarana, Special Needs Education, Malaysia
ACADEMIC PARTNER
Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz - Poland
University of Granada- Spain
University of Venda - Faculty of Health
Mazoon College - Oman
University of the Western Cape - South Africa
College of Law, University of South Africa (UNISA)
University of Pretoria - South Africa
Biaka University Institute of Buea (BUIB), Cameroon
Istanbul Aydin University (IAU), Turkey
Singhania University, India
German Jordanian University (GJU), Jordan
Inclusive Practices Africa (IPA), University of Cape Town, South Africa
Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice, Utah State University, USA
WDRC 2026 provides you with the following FREE Publication Opportunities
*No Submission or Publication Charges for Supporting Journals
PUBLISH HELP
A breakthrough free TIIKM project to make your research publication possible.
Preliminary reviews for your full paper with the world-class publication "Steering Committee" before the conference.
One of the major issues faced by novice researchers/authors in the present is the lack of perspectives to improve writing for academic publications. "PUBLISHelp" is introduced by TIIKM to help authors develop their full papers before the conference. Once the request is made, a steering committee member will be assigned to provide the author with developmental comments to improve the full paper. Our main goal is to assist our conference participants to keep one step ahead by improving their valuable research papers.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication
Featured Special Issues
- Journal of Loss and Trauma: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/upil20
- Wearable Technologies: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/wearable-technologies
Esteemed Regular Issues
- Health Communication: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/hhth20
- Journal of Integrated Care: https://www.emerald.com/jica
- International Journal on Disability and Human Development: https://novapublishers.com/shop/international-journal-on-disability-and-human-development/
- International Public Health Journal: https://novapublishers.com/shop/international-public-health-journal/
- Journal of Alternative Medicine Research: https://novapublishers.com/shop/journal-of-alternative-medicine-research/
The author instructions and submission guidelines for your desired journals will be sent to you separately.
All peer-reviewed journals are subject to the double-blind peer-review process. The decision on publication will depend on the peer-review process. Participants are advised to read the journal's scope and aim before deciding on a suitable journal. We follow universally accepted ethics on publication. Accordingly, a guarantee for publication will not be issued before the submission has been made and the review process has been completed. The publisher does not charge any money for the publication of non-open-access content.
Program Highlights and Opportunities Available in WDRC 2026
- FREE publication and free review support for full paper publication
- Opportunity to publish in high-ranked supporting journals and open access for proceedings with OJS
- Access to 3-Day conference program (all sessions, workshops, and panel discussions)
- Publication workshops/policy discussions/workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Awards for best presenters
- Visit one of the most popular travel destinations in the world: Bali, Indonesia
** Since you are a Conal Conference Alerts subscriber, we would like to offer a 10% discount on the registration fees. Please submit your abstract on or before 24th March 2026 to claim this offer. Use promo code #WDRCC1 Conal when you submit the paper.
** This remarkable platform for sharing knowledge is accessible to non-presenters as well! Click REGISTER NOW to join the interactive audience:
https://disabilityconference.tiikm.com/attendee-registration/#register-here
We eagerly await your response and kindly ask that you share this email with your university colleagues.
Contact us:
International Conference Coordinator – Ms. Himavi Athauda
The International Institute of Knowledge Management
531/18, Kotte Road | Pita Kotte | Zip Code 10100 | Sri Lanka
Tel: 0094 11799 2022
Direct Contact (WhatsApp): +94 714015313
Email: himavi.a@tiikmedu.com
Enquiries: himavi.a@tiikmedu.com
Web address: https://disabilityconference.tiikm.com/
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