World Congress 2025 Shows Power of Assistive Technologies

The World Congress 2025, titled “We Are Inclusion,” has brought global attention to the power of assistive technologies and alternative communication methods in empowering persons with intellectual disabilities. The Congress, taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah until September 17, is a platform where experts, advocates, and organisations from around the world come together to share experiences, insights, and innovations that make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

One of the most inspiring sessions held on the opening day was “Talking, Participating, Making Difference: Ways of Giving Good Support.” This session focused on how assistive technologies, combined with thoughtful support, can transform the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities, enabling them to communicate, make decisions, and live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Human-Centered Support Over Tools and Therapy

Experts at the session emphasised that true progress in supporting persons with intellectual disabilities is not measured by the number of tools, devices, or therapy sessions available. Instead, it is measured by how much individuals are empowered to express themselves, participate in decision-making, and live a life of independence.

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Anwar Obeid, a speech and language specialist and Head of the Severe Disabilities Centre at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, explained that effective support is a gradual process. It takes time and patience but ultimately enables individuals to communicate and make choices about their own lives.

She shared the inspiring story of Khawla Jodr, a 25-year-old self-advocate who has overcome significant challenges despite the severity of her disability. Khawla recently co-authored an article about a day in her life, published in a German newspaper. She also celebrated taking her first independent selfie—a small but significant step in her journey toward self-expression and independence.

Principles of Good Support

Obeid stressed that good support must be human-centred and empowering. It should be consistent, flexible, and based on collaboration. Support should also include the right tools, sustainable funding, respectful relationships, and evidence-based practices.

She outlined clear indicators to measure the success of support for individuals:

• Self-advocates being able to make their own decisions.

• Individuals being heard and understood in different settings.

• Access to ongoing support when needed.

At the institutional level, indicators of success include:

• Inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

• Autonomy, allowing individuals to have control over their lives.

• Accessibility of services and infrastructure.

• Adequate resources for programs supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

• Opportunities for team development for staff and caregivers.

• Strong networks with other organizations and decision-makers to enhance services.

The Role of Assistive Technology

Camille Matta, an assistive technology expert and Managing Director of Consort World, highlighted that support can take many forms. This can include high-tech solutions, low-tech tools, and even non-technological methods. He emphasised the importance of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

AAC allows people with intellectual disabilities to communicate in ways beyond traditional speech. This can include:

• Writing or typing messages

• Drawing or pointing to symbols or images

• Using movement or gestures

• Eye gaze or touch-based devices

• Sounds, facial expressions, body language, or vocal variations

Matta explained that assistive technologies, whether complex or simple, are vital for self-expression and social participation. These tools help individuals overcome communication barriers, exercise independence, and actively engage with their families, communities, and society.

Personal Journey of a Self-Advocate

Khawla Jodr shared her personal story with the audience. As a student at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, she has faced numerous challenges due to the severity of her disability. However, with determination and the support of assistive technologies, Khawla has been able to communicate effectively using an eye-gaze assistive device.

This technology allows her to control images, type messages, and interact with the world using her eyes. For Khawla, this device is not just a tool—it is a means to express her thoughts, share her experiences, and participate fully in her community. Her story is a powerful example of how technology, combined with understanding and supportive care, can create meaningful opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Global Participation at World Congress 2025

The World Congress 2025 “We Are Inclusion” has drawn over 500 participants from 74 countries, making it a truly global event. The Congress features 152 speakers representing 160 organisations, who contribute to 59 parallel sessions covering a wide range of topics related to disability inclusion.

Held for the first time in the MENA region and North Africa, the Congress serves as a leading platform for sharing best practices, advancing rights, and promoting the full inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities in society.

The event is co-organised by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services and Inclusion International, with strategic partnership from the Sharjah Government Media Bureau. This collaboration ensures that the voices of persons with disabilities, as well as experts and advocates, are heard and celebrated on a global stage.

Key Takeaways from the Session

The session highlighted several important lessons for supporting persons with intellectual disabilities:

1. Empowerment is key: Tools and therapies are helpful, but the goal is to empower individuals to communicate and make decisions.

2. Human-centred approach: Support should focus on the individual’s needs, abilities, and preferences.

3. Diverse communication methods: Assistive technologies and AAC allow individuals to communicate in multiple ways, enhancing their autonomy and participation.

4. Consistency and collaboration: Support works best when it is steady, flexible, and involves families, caregivers, and professionals working together.

5. Measure success thoughtfully: Indicators should reflect personal growth, inclusion, autonomy, and the development of strong support networks.

As the World Congress 2025 continues, participants will continue to exchange knowledge, highlight inspiring stories, and explore innovative solutions to support persons with intellectual disabilities. The Congress aims not only to showcase tools and technologies but also to inspire policies, programs, and practices that enable individuals to live fulfilling, independent lives.

By focusing on both technology and human support, events like this ensure that inclusion is more than a goal—it becomes a reality for people like Khawla Jodr, whose achievements demonstrate the true potential of assistive technologies and empowered support systems.

The opening session of the World Congress 2025 made it clear that progress in the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities is about more than access to devices or therapy sessions. It is about empowering individuals, expanding communication, and creating opportunities for participation in society. With the dedication of experts, advocates, and organisations, and with the aid of innovative assistive technologies, persons with intellectual disabilities can live more independent, joyful, and fulfilling lives.

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