9th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference (WDRC) 2024

9th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference (WDRC) 2024 took place in the stunning location of Bali, Indonesia from 02-03 September 2024, experts many came together to celebrate nearly a decade of progress, collaboration, and groundbreaking advancements in disability studies. This year, under the purpose “Empower Collaboration, Worldwide Impact in Disability Studies Advancement“, WDRC united experts, advocates, and innovators from across the globe to drive positive change.

Thank you to our South Africa Coordinator, Zukiswa Nzo and to everyone who joined and contributed to making this event a resounding success.

Zuki shares her recap of the 9th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference, a pivotal event in disability studies

“With great pleasure, I present a recap of the highly significant Conference. I had the privilege of attending and giving an oral presentation as an affiliate of Waseda University (Japan) and a member of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCDP) (South Africa). I also had the honour and privilege of being selected by the conference as this year’s Country Coordinator for South Africa at the 9th World Disability and Rehabilitation Conference 2024, which took place in Bali, Indonesia.

This year’s event brought together global experts, advocates, and organisations dedicated to advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities. The conference focused on the latest advancements in rehabilitation, inclusive policies, and strategies to empower individuals with disabilities.

Key discussions included:

• Innovative rehabilitation approaches for enhancing quality of life
• Inclusive education and employment opportunities
• Policies promoting universal accessibility
• The importance of technology and assistive devices in improving independence

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to present my research at the conference. It was a fulfilling experience to share my findings and receive invaluable input from my esteemed colleagues. My research presentation was entitled “A Review of Dimensions and Indicators of Economic Empowerment of Disabled Women: An Agenda for Future Research.”

My presentation aimed to bring to academic debate the economic empowerment inequalities of disabled women, looking into the interpretation of policies and implementations that address inequalities and the sources and origins of what informs these dimensions. The Conference was insightful and informative, and it was a networking experience to meet experts and researchers in the Disability sector. I hope the work done by researchers in disability studies may land and lead to the impact it intends to achieve in society and enhance academic contributions. I look forward to ongoing engagements and next year’s conference outcomes.”