About the Conference
The 7th Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) / Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) Africa Conference is a premier event organized by the CBR Africa Network (CAN) and hosted by the Government of Uganda, spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MGLSD). This significant conference will take place from September 9th to 12th, 2024, at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda.
About CBR Africa Network (CAN)
Founded in Uganda in 2001, the CBR Africa Network (CAN) is a continental civil society organization dedicated to promoting networking, generating, documenting, and sharing information on CBR and CBID among stakeholders. CAN works to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange related to disability, rehabilitation, and inclusive development across Africa. The MGLSD is the lead government entity responsible for disability and rehabilitation policy and service provision in Uganda.
Conference Overview
This three-day conference will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their careers, policymakers, government officials, advocates, researchers, practitioners, development partners, and representatives from organizations of and for persons with disabilities. The conference aims to foster dialogue on the role of CBR/CBID in promoting disability-inclusive development and to inspire stakeholder engagement in innovative and transformative approaches for creating inclusive communities.
The timing of the conference marks several key milestones:
- 46 years of CBR’s contribution to enhancing participation, inclusion, and well-being of persons with disabilities globally.
- 23 years of CAN’s efforts in CBR/CBID information sharing and networking in Africa.
- The return of the CBR conference to Uganda, the birthplace of CAN.
Conference Theme
The theme for this year’s conference is “Advancing Community Based Rehabilitation and Community Based Inclusive Development for a Disability Inclusive Society.” This theme will guide discussions and presentations, focusing on transformative approaches to foster disability-inclusive communities.
Sub-Themes
- Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID): Comprehensive strategies for developing inclusive communities, blending community-based interventions with mainstream approaches.
- Rehabilitation Service Provision and Assistive Technologies: Personalized rehabilitation care, innovative technologies for rehabilitation and accessibility, and appropriate technologies for personal care, education, employment, and social participation.
- Community Support for Socioeconomic Development: Economic inclusion, resilience, and effective community support for socioeconomic advancement, including early childhood development and inclusive education.
- Disability Intersectionality and CBR/CBID: Addressing issues of disability in relation to aging, HIV, gender, forced migration, and other intersectional challenges.
- Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Enhancing service delivery and inclusion through comprehensive rehabilitation services and equity in health.
- Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities: Addressing health inequalities and epidemiological trends related to neglected tropical diseases, non-communicable diseases, and disabling conditions.
- Emergencies and Disability-Inclusive Humanitarian Action: Strategies for disability inclusion in emergencies, disaster management, and lessons learned from recent global crises like COVID-19.
- Global Commitments and National Developments: Updates on global disability summits, the Rehabilitation 2030 agenda, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the African Protocol.
- Justice, Choice, and Power: Exploring justice and power dynamics, ethical dilemmas, and social justice movements.
Conference Methodology
The conference will adopt a hybrid approach, accommodating both in-person and remote participation. Activities will include:
- Plenary Sessions: Keynote speakers and major discussions on overarching topics.
- Parallel Sessions: Focused discussions on specific themes.
- Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions for active engagement on key issues.
- Interactive Exchanges: Sharing experiences and strategies among persons with disabilities and caregivers.
- Networking Events: Opportunities for idea exchange and collaboration.
- Exhibition: Showcasing innovations and new technologies in rehabilitation and inclusive development.
Conference Management
The conference will be managed by a Continental Organizing Committee (COC) and a National Organizing Committee (NOC) to oversee communication, logistics, and fundraising, with support from local and international partners.
Registration and participation
Registration is open for both Ugandan and international participants, with options for online participation. Early registration is encouraged to take advantage of discounted rates.
Expected Outcomes
The conference will culminate in a digital publication of the proceedings, including abstracts and summaries of sessions. A comprehensive CAN book will also be published to document key insights and innovations.
Conclusion
Hosting the 7th CBR/CBID Africa Conference in Uganda underscores a strong commitment to advancing disability rights and inclusive development. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, the conference aims to drive positive change and enhance the participation and well-being of persons with disabilities across Africa and beyond.
For more information and an application, click here.
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