12 Aug 2026
From July 28 to 31, 2026, LMU hosted the 7th European Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD).
© Nina Ortolf
Under the theme “real.time – Shaping the Future Together,” international participants discussed how to shape an inclusive future together.
The conference began on July 28 with a pre-conference event at LMU. Participants from various countries gathered there to exchange ideas and get in the right frame of mind for the days ahead.
Science Meets Real Life
The congress focused on current issues surrounding participation, education, health, and inclusion. The discussion was not limited to academic research: people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, self-advocacy organizations, professionals, family members, and policymakers were explicitly included in the international exchange.
The theme “real.time” explored three perspectives: temporality, reality, and digitality. The central question was how research and practice can contribute not only to defining inclusion as a long-term goal but also to shaping it together in the here and now.
The academic program included, among other things, lectures, symposia, workshops, and poster presentations. Thematic topics ranged from aging and autism to health, mental health, and Down syndrome, as well as inclusive education and research, quality of life, families, and technology. The program thus provided a broad platform for presenting current research findings, new practical approaches, and the exchange of ideas across national and disciplinary boundaries.
The conference was hosted by Prof. Dr. Peter Zentel, holder of the Chair of Education for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, including Inclusive Education. Together with his team, he was responsible for the scientific and organizational direction of the conference.
“Shaping the Future Together”
Since its founding in 1964, the IASSIDD has pursued the goal of internationally exchanging and advancing scientific knowledge on intellectual disabilities. The Munich conference built on this legacy—with a special focus on linking scientific evidence, practical experience, and the perspectives of people with disabilities themselves.
In doing so, the IASSIDD Congress in Munich sent a clear message: Shaping an inclusive future should not be done solely for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but with them and in collaboration with all stakeholders involved.
Further information: IASSIDD European Congress 2026