why
While global living conditions for persons with disabilities have improved in recent years, systemic stigma and discrimination persist. Beyond physical impairments, individuals routinely face environmental and social barriers that hinder full participation in society. Too often, discussions about disability exclude the very people they impact. There remains a critical need worldwide for platforms where persons with disabilities lead the conversation.
Like anyone, persons with disabilities seek new experiences, travel, and cross-cultural connections. Shared encounters foster both self-acceptance and broader societal acceptance. The worldwide congress movement has proven to be a successful tool for individual empowerment and social change, consistently engaging authorities, businesses, media, and local communities.
what
Worldwide Congresses are multi-day events designed with and for persons with disabilities, positioning them as the primary speakers, leaders, and contributors. Organized collaboratively by socialartist.events and local partners, each event reflects the unique culture and needs of its host community.
The program includes presentations, panel discussions, different workshops, excursions, and cultural events with select sessions open to the public to promote community integration. Beyond professional exchange, these congresses foster lasting friendships, joy, and ongoing follow-up initiatives and common projects.
The congress concept, layout, articles, photos, videos and other materials on this website are copyrighted, all rights reserved.
who
Thomas Kraus (Berlin / Germany)
Since 1999, initiates and co-organizes worldwide congresses for persons with disabilities
Liia Ivanova (Kazan / Russia)
Since 2023, co-organizes worldwide congresses for persons with disabilities
impact
Since 1999, nearly 50 congresses have taken place globally in partnership with local organizations:
European Congresses: Launched in Berlin in 1998, seven “Living in the Encounter” congresses brought together up to 700 participants each through 2018.
National Initiatives: Hosted across Serbia, Georgia, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, India, Nepal, Thailand, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Uruguay.
World Congress: Held 2017 in Ekaterinburg, Russia, bringing together 850 participants with all kinds of disabilities from every continent for a landmark event.
awards
German Federal Ministries of the Interior and of Justice and their „Alliance for Democracy and Tolerance“
Serbian Congress Ambassador
support
Future congresses are currently in development. We are looking forward to realizing the next one together with you! If you are interested in getting involved by helping organising a congress at your place, please reach out via email to info@socialartist.events.
If you are inspired and want to contribute to the realisation of future projects, please support the non-profit organisation “socialartist.support e.V.”. You can find more details here.