The 11th World Disability
and Rehabilitation Conference 2026
10 - 11 August 2026
Bali, Indonesia
A Global Platform for Disability Inclusion and Rehabilitation
The 11th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference (WDRC) 2026 was successfully held on 10–11 August 2026 in Bali, Indonesia, under the theme “The Sustainable Advantage: Human Relations, Technology, and Mental Health for Disability Inclusion.” The conference welcomed 146 participants from 28 countries and received 311 abstracts, reflecting its growing global reach and influence within the disability and rehabilitation community.
WDRC 2026 created a dynamic platform for researchers, rehabilitation and healthcare professionals, policymakers, disability advocates, practitioners, industry representatives, and persons with lived experience to share research, exchange perspectives, and explore practical solutions. Keynote and plenary speeches, research presentations, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities strengthened international knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Beyond the Conference: Inclusion, Innovation, and Impact
WDRC 2026 went beyond traditional research presentations by providing valuable academic and professional development opportunities. Highlights included the workshop “Inside the CRPD Communication Procedure,” the Academic Panel Discussion “Human-Centered Innovation: Building Inclusive and Sustainable Futures for Disability and Rehabilitation,” and the Global Futures Dialogue “Policy, Innovation, Equity, and the Future of Inclusive Rehabilitation.”
These sessions encouraged participants to examine disability rights, mental health, assistive technology, accessibility, inclusive policy, and evidence-based rehabilitation. The conference also created opportunities for research collaboration, institutional partnerships, professional networking, and initiatives that can continue beyond the event.
The success of WDRC 2026 was made possible through the valuable contributions of our speakers, conference leadership, academic partners, committee members, presenters, participants, volunteers, and collaborators. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this meaningful journey.
146 Participants. 311 Abstracts. 28 Countries. One Global Community for Inclusion.
Together, we continue to advance disability inclusion and rehabilitation worldwide.
The official WDRC 2026 participation, abstract, and country figures were not available on the public website, so I have left placeholders for you to complete.
Highlights from Last Year’s Conference
Watch key moments from last year’s conference and get a glimpse of the inspiring discussions that shaped the future of education.
Years of Success
Countries
Universities
Network
Conference Committee
Dr. Loren O’Connor
Conference co-Chair
Dr. Thierry Kolpin
Conference co-Chair
Mrs. Zahra Hosaneea
STEERING COMMITTEE
Mr. Nekram Upadhyay
STEERING COMMITTEE
Speakers Joining for WDRC 2026
Prof. Brian Watermeyer
Keynote Speaker (Physical)
Prof. Tom Shakespeare
Keynote Speaker (Virtual)
Prof. Harsha Kathard
Guest Speaker
Dr. Libby Callaway
Plenary Speaker (Physical)
Dr. Pubalin Das
Plenary Speaker (Physical)
Dr. Joseph Carlton Barry Sr
Plenary Speaker (Virtual)
Dr. Anne Spillane
Panel Speaker (Physical)
Ms. Elsie Gabriel
Panel Moderator (Physical)
Dr. Sunitha Sivakumaran
Story Teller (Physical)
Special Events
Pre-Conference Workshop on
“The Attuned School: a whole school approach to promoting positive mental health in children and young people with attachment needs”
Date: 6th March 2026 | Time: 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM IST
Dr. Sarah Wall
United Kingdom
Pre-Conference Workshop on
“Navigating the Research Publication Process for Emerging Scholars in Disability and Rehabilitation”
Date: 21st April 2026 | Time: 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM IST
Dr. Surajo Sulaiman
Erbil, Iraq
Workshop on
“Inside the CRPD Communication Procedure”
Mrs. Zahra Hosaneea
Co-founder of the YWDEP
Mauritius
Academic Panel Discussion
Human-Centered Innovation: Building Inclusive and Sustainable Futures for Disability and Rehabilitation
Ms. Elsie Gabriel
Moderator
Prof. Harsha Kathard
Panelist
Dr. Libby Callaway
Panelist
Prof. Brian Watermeyer
Panelist
Dr. Sunitha Sivakumaran
Panelist
Global Futures Dialogue: WDRPA ExCo Q&A
Policy, Innovation, Equity, and the Future of Inclusive Rehabilitation
Ms. Zahra Hosaneea
Moderator
Dr. Thierry Kolpin
Panelist
Dr. Anne Spillane
Panelist
Publication Opportunities in
Disability Conference 2026
We believe your paper deserves to meet its ultimate research destination!
Featured Peer – Reviewed Journals
As a conference Participant at The World Disability and Rehabilitation conference 2026, you are having 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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Special Issues
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Regular Issues
Our Partners
Blogs
The Global Stage for Inclusion
The 11th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference (WDRC 2026) is a premier global forum dedicated to advancing accessibility and social equity. Scheduled for August