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Welcome Note

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Participants,

It is a great honour and pleasure to announce the world congress on childhood-onset disabilities – the Joint Meeting of the 37^th Annual Meeting of the European Academy Of Childhood-onset Disability (EACD) and the 4^th Triennial Meeting of the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability (IAACD). This landmark event will take place in the beautiful city of Heidelberg, Germany, from June 24^th to 28^th, 2025 encompassing 22 pre-congress conferences and meetings at the University of Heidelberg and at the UNESCO Heritage Monastery and Child Center in Maulbronn.

Following the world congresses in Stockholm/Sweden 2016, Anaheim/USA 2019 and Melbourne/Australia 2022, the 4^th IAACD triennial meeting is coming back to Europe, and will be held together with the EACD annual meeting under the motto “Developing Networks – Networks for Development”.

We are welcoming around 2000 participants from almost 80 countries. More than 1000 speakers and presenters will collectively make more than 1400 contributions at the event. We are very grateful for over 1100 registrations for the pre-conferences and the over 1600 registrations for the main conference at Heidelberg Congress Center. In addition, we are expecting up to 400 participants, primarily from Germany, to the Action Day on 28th June. This will make it the largest meeting on childhood-onset disability held so far. Furthermore, we greatly appreciate the participation of representatives from UNICEF, the WHO, as well as many policymakers.

Leading researchers and clinicians will discuss the many aspects of childhood disability and developmental disorders, presenting their cutting-edge research. Parent representatives and individuals with lived experience will have a strong influence on, and make a significant contribution to the meeting as they will be actively involved in the organization and realization of the congress. as they will engage in lively discussions with scientists, therapists, and stakeholders. Finally, there will be presented an international statement across 6 continents on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The 2025 meeting will be the first hybrid IAACD meeting, allowing participants from all around the globe to connect both on-site and virtually. This conference will provide a wonderful opportunity to gain an international perspective on childhood disability and developmental disorders. The executive committees with their 5 subcommittees have been more diverse than ever before, representing researchers and clinicians from over 25 countries and numerous specialties. Together, they have organized a comprehensive program, showcasing the latest research, evidence-based practice recommendations, and multiple networking opportunities.

Finally, we would like to thank all the non-commercial and commercial partners supporting this large-scale congress, especially the Baden-Württemberg Foundation, Germany, the CP Foundation, USA, the CP Alliance Australia as well as Nestle, Novartis and the FamiChord group from Poland, and all the supporting companies in the field of Rehabilitation Technology and Assistive Devices.

Rainer Blank
President

Christian Schaaf
Vice-President

Roslyn Boyd
Vice-President IAACD

Sebastian Schroeder
Scientific Chair

Welcome Note

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
esteemed guests, both here in person and joining us virtually around the globe,
dear organizers,

It is a great pleasure and honour for me to welcome you to the important World Congress for childhood-onset disability, taking place here in the city of Heidelberg.

As the Federal Government Commissioner for Matters relating to Persons with Disabilities, and also as a blind person, I am only aware of some challenges and barriers that many people still face every day.

It was not only, but also my own experiences that strengthened my commitment to inclusion and motivated me to work towards removing the barriers that so often prevent people with disabilities from participating in society. I warmly support this congress for it offers a fantastic opportunity to come together, learn from one another, and discuss the actions that should be taken in order to create a future where nobody is excluded or left behind because of their disability.

Over the past decades, most countries have made tremendous progress in terms of inklusion. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 13, 2006, almost twenty years ago - Germany signed it 16 years ago. Of course that was a major step forward. Country-specific laws, projects and institutions have supported integration on many levels, yet we must admit to ourselves that the journey towards an inclusion of people with disabilities is far from being complete. There are still many barriers persons with disabilities experience.

The state's implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities is not charity. We are talking about human rights. At the same time, the extent of a country's commitment to the well-being of its vulnerable groups is a sign of the country's strength. It remains an ongoing task for everyone. Especially facing increasing economic challenges worldwide, we can no longer afford to exclude entire groups of people. Nevertheless, I am confident that we can overcome them together.

We all need to do our share to foment a culture of mutual understanding, respect and empathy, in which everyone is seen, heard, respected and given the opportunity to participate in and contribute to society as much as possible. But above all, we also need the legal framework.

I wish you an unforgettable congress filled with opportunities to build networks. May we remain mindful of the needs of people with disabilities and ensure that these needs are considered in all of our decisions.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers of this event for bringing us all together and to everyone of you for your dedicated engagement.

Jürgen Dusel
Federal Commissioner for People with Disabilities of the German Federal Government

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Welcome Note

Dear congress participants,

lt is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you to the 4th Triennial Meeting of the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability (IMCD) and the 37th Annual Meeting of the European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability (EACD) in our beautiful city of Heidelberg.

Both organizations perform invaluable and indispensable work by striving to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities-whether these disabilities are present from birth or have developed during childhood. Through their tireless promotion of research, education, and international collaboration, they significantly contribute to ensuring that children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities receive the best possible support.

Heidelberg offers the ideal environment for this significant conference, as our city actively promotes inclusion and accessibility. Heidelberg provides a barrier-free infrastructure, including educational opportunities and comprehensive support for people with disabilities. Numerous leisure activities and an engaged advisory board foster dialogue and participation for all citizens. Children, in particular, benefit from inclusive educational and recreational offerings that support their integration and development. Inclusion is actively practiced in Heidelberg. Implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a central task. We are committed to breaking down barriers and promoting the participation of people with disabilities.

We are delighted to hast an event that brings together so many dedicated professionals from around the world to work together for a better future for people with disabilities. I wish you an enriching time, valuable conversations, and an inspiring exchange with new ideas here in Heidelberg.

Eckart Würzner
Mayor of the City of Heidelberg

Welcome Note

Dear Congress Participants, Distinguished Guests and Esteemed Colleagues,

It is a great honor and privilege for me to welcome you to Heidelberg, Germany, on the occasion of EACD/IAACD 2025, the combined World Congress of the European and World Associations of the International Allied Academies of Childhood Disability (IAACD) and the European Academy of Childhood Disability of the International Allied Academies of Childhood Disability (EACD).

Heidelberg University Hospital and Maulbronn Children´s Center have been selected to host this unique and scientifically high-level congress on congenital and early-acquired developmental disorders and disabilities and to assume the institutional responsibility on site; we are very proud to have been given the opportunity to bring together experts from over 70 countries here on campus in Heidelberg to create a truly global platform.

Your presence at this congress means that you are working together to advance our understanding, treatment and support of people with developmental disabilities.

The motto of EACD/IAACD 2025, "Developing networks - networks for development," beautifully encapsulates our shared mission. It underscores the essential collaborative spirit within our scientific and clinical communities, which is vital for driving progress. Networks are fundamental to our work—whether we are bridging research disciplines, connecting practitioners globally, or strengthening support systems for affected families. Through interdisciplinary approaches, new insights, and innovative treatments, we aspire to achieve meaningful advancements in development and rehabilitation.

The four-day program promises a wealth of knowledge, featuring a diverse array of scientific presentations, clinical discussions, and personal narratives from families impacted by these conditions. We are privileged to host distinguished scientists, leading clinicians, and advocates who have spearheaded advancements in this field. Your invaluable contributions will elevate this congress into a high-caliber scientific event and a milestone for patient-centered care and innovation.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Professors Schaaf and Blank, whose unwavering dedication and leadership made it possible to bring this prestigious event to Germany. Their tireless efforts throughout the application process were instrumental in securing Heidelberg as the congress venue. It is through their vision and commitment that we gather here today.

Heidelberg, a city renowned for its long-standing tradition of medical and scientific excellence, serves as an ideal backdrop for this historic congress. We are proud to welcome each of you to this inspiring locale and are honored that Heidelberg University Hospital has the opportunity to host such a significant event. May your time here foster new connections, stimulate insightful discussions, and inspire collaborations that will benefit individuals and families around the world.

On behalf of Heidelberg University Hospital and the organizing committee, I extend my deepest gratitude for your participation. May this congress serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking work and enduring partnerships.

With warmest regards,

Prof. Dr. Dr. Jürgen Debus
Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Director Heidelberg University Hospital

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