Registration Information

Virtual 3-Day Congress

The 6th IASSIDD Europe Congress was delivered as a virtual 3-day congress. Presentations, keynote debates, and pre-congress academy workshops were streamed online so participants could attend from anywhere in the world.

Registration Details

Registration gave online access to the full scientific programme, including keynote debates on New Eugenics, COVID-19, end of life, mental health, and parenting with an IDD, plus pre-congress academy workshops and the congress tracks.

COVID-19 Adaptations

The decision to hold a hybrid congress reflected the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic at the time. Online participation allowed the congress to welcome a broad international audience while prioritising health and safety.

For full background on the hybrid format, see the Hybrid Congress FAQ.

The 6th IASSIDD Europe Congress, held virtually from 6 to 8 July 2021, brought together researchers, practitioners, and self-advocates from across the continent under the theme Value Diversity. This central idea reflected a commitment to recognising the worth of every person with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The online format allowed broad participation, ensuring that geographical distance did not prevent anyone from joining the conversation. Across three days, attendees engaged with a scientific programme designed to challenge assumptions and promote inclusive practices. The congress provided a platform for sharing knowledge, debating emerging issues, and building connections that would outlast the event itself.

Keynote debates formed a core part of the congress programme, addressing urgent and sometimes difficult topics. Discussions on New Eugenics examined historical and contemporary threats to the value of diverse lives. Sessions on COVID-19 explored how the pandemic had disproportionately affected people with IDD and what lessons could be learned. End-of-life care, mental health support, and parenting with an intellectual disability were also debated by experts and community members. These conversations were not merely academic; they aimed to influence policy and practice. The live, interactive format encouraged participants to ask questions and share their own experiences, deepening the collective understanding.

Pre-congress academy workshops offered an opportunity for focused learning before the main event began. These sessions were designed for professionals, students, and anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of specific topics within the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Workshop leaders brought practical experience and research insights, creating an environment where participants could explore new approaches and reflect on their own work. The academy format allowed for smaller group interaction and more personalised attention than the larger congress sessions. Topics covered a range of clinical, social, and educational themes, all grounded in the overarching principle of valuing diversity.

The scientific programme was organised into tracks that covered a wide spectrum of themes within disability studies. Oral presentations and poster sessions gave researchers a chance to share their latest findings with an international audience. Presenters came from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the congress's commitment to including voices from different disciplines and geographic regions. The virtual platform enabled asynchronous viewing of recorded sessions, allowing participants to tailor their experience to their interests and schedule. This flexibility was especially valuable for attendees balancing professional responsibilities with their desire to learn. The breadth of topics ensured that there was something of relevance for everyone.

Beyond the formal programme, the congress fostered a sense of community among attendees who shared a common purpose. The virtual setting, while different from an in-person gathering, still allowed for meaningful interaction through live chats, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities. Participants from many countries exchanged ideas and built relationships that could lead to future collaborations. The organisers deliberately created spaces for informal conversation, recognising that some of the most valuable exchanges happen outside scheduled sessions. This spirit of connection and mutual support embodied the congress's theme of valuing diversity, not only as an abstract principle but as a lived experience within the community itself.