Congress Programme & Abstracts

Programme Overview

The congress combined on-site sessions at the Amsterdam studio venue with virtual access. Each day was structured around thematic tracks, with oral presentations, poster sessions, and keynote debates running in parallel.

• Three-day hybrid programme, 6–8 July 2021.
• Programme & Abstract Book available for review.
• Tracks spanning disability studies and intellectual developmental disabilities.

Congress Tracks

Academic content was organised into thematic strands led by track directors and supported by reviewers from the international IASSIDD community.

Track	Focus Area
Track 1	Health and wellbeing across the lifespan in intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Track 2	Families, support systems, and caregiving in IDD.
Track 3	Inclusion, participation, and community living.
Track 4	Education, employment, and transitions into adulthood.
Track 5	Policy, ethics, and human rights in disability.

Track descriptions summarise the thematic focus of submitted presentations for the 2021 congress.

The 6th IASSIDD Europe Congress, held in Amsterdam from 6 to 8 July 2021, centred on the theme Value Diversity. This theme called attention to the meaningful changes needed in how society views and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The congress aimed to foster an inclusive dialogue among researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and self-advocates, encouraging a broad reimagining of what genuine inclusion and participation can look like across Europe and beyond.

The programme was designed as a hybrid experience, combining on-site sessions at the Amsterdam studio venue with virtual access for participants around the world. This format allowed the congress to adapt to the ongoing pandemic while still preserving the interactive, community-driven atmosphere that previous IASSIDD gatherings were known for. Each day featured thematic tracks running in parallel, with oral presentations, poster sessions, and engaging keynote debates woven throughout the schedule.

Value Diversity as a guiding concept challenged participants to think beyond traditional approaches in disability research and practice. It invited critical reflection on topics such as the history of eugenics, the quality of care and life for people with IDD, mental health support, parenting with disabilities, and the role of community in envisioning a more inclusive future. The congress provided a platform where these complex issues could be explored openly and constructively.

The academic backbone of the congress consisted of multiple thematic tracks, each led by dedicated track directors and supported by a panel of reviewers. These tracks covered a broad spectrum of topics within disability studies, ensuring that both established researchers and emerging voices had the opportunity to present their work. The Abstract Book compiled all accepted submissions, serving as a lasting record of the scholarly contributions that shaped the event.

Beyond the formal programme, the congress sought to build a lasting sense of community among its attendees. Virtual participants could engage through live sessions, comment boards, and interactive discussions, while those in Amsterdam enjoyed the inspiring atmosphere of the venue. The organisers emphasised active participation and real connection, aiming to create a space where colleagues and friends could collectively envision the future of disability research and support.

Programme & Abstract Book

The Programme & Abstract Book gathers accepted abstracts, track assignments, and session details from the 6th IASSIDD Europe Congress. Track directors and reviewers supported the programme submissions.

Keynote debates ran alongside the track sessions throughout the three days, drawing on topics such as New Eugenics, COVID-19, end-of-life decisions, mental health, and parenting with an IDD.