Web_RI2008

Michael Fox
RI President

The international community is facing a unique opportunity to drastically improve the living conditions of hundreds of millions of people with disabilities by implementing the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This treaty provides the framework for the development of good policies, actions and projects which can have a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities all over the world.

The Congress provides an opportunity to discuss key questions with respect to people with physical, intellectual or mental disabilities, and to form or reinforce partnerships.

The 21st World Congress of Rehabilitation International – Quebec City 2008 will gather people with disabilities, human rights activists, experts, government representatives, service providers and leaders of civil society coming from all continents. The event will take place from August 25th to the 28th, in beautiful Quebec City, Canada. During this time, the city will be celebrating its 400th birthday.

Clermont Simard
President of Congress

The theme of the Congress is "Disability Rights and Social Participation: Ensuring a Society for All". This theme is inline with the priorities of Rehabilitation InternationaI (RI) while aiming for an international dialogue on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The reality of disability is not only the problem of a social minority since disability affects almost every person in society at some point in their lives.

Goals
The aim of the RI World Congress is to share concrete good practices at the local, regional, national and international levels. Such achievements are founded on partnerships that encompass specific responsibilities assumed by public authorities and society in making significant progress in disability-related areas.

The purpose of the RI World Congress is also to act as a catalyst for concretely implementing human rights for people with disabilities by creating a society that is accessible for all.