It is such a pleasure to have the 2009 ICEVI European conference hosted in Dublin. Right from the beginning the Irish have shown such enthusiasm and professionalism in their approach to hosting the conference that I can hardly wait to experience the mix of solid scientific content and the social interaction that our hosts are famous for. I hope that this initial brochure will inspire you and encourage you to make advance plans to join ICEVI Europe in Dublin from 5th - 10th July, 2009

Conference Theme

Living in a changing Europe is a rapidly changing society. Social, economic and political conditions are altering very fast, but not with the same speed or the same direction. We observe a variety of movements in different parts of Europe, but one tendency seems clear, governments withdraw more and more and responsibilities have to be taken by each member of society.

This is of course done with reference to the democratic development, where people are to decide for themselves. This is generally a desired movement, but not without its negative side effects. This is the case for the role of governments concerning rehabilitation and education for people with impairments. Concepts for care are changing.

People with impairments are primarily responsible for their own lives, but do have rights to ask for support when needed. This changing development in Europe has great consequences for the professional support to people with disabilities; in our case people with visual impairments, sometimes combined with other difficulties for instance learning or auditory disabilities.

Services of rehabilitation and education at special institutes with highly developed competencies are transferred to services at local communities, close to the family, at their own school, with daily activities and work. This is of course fine since the responsibility is placed in the community, but we often see lack of professional competence.  

This change is a challenge for professionals and professional organisations to think about the way of helping clients and maintaining knowledge and skills, but also about the way in which new knowledge can be developed to support the democratic movement. Organisational structures must also be revised when the condition changes. This ICEVI-conference aims to contribute to this reflection.

The conference 2009 is different from previous conferences, in that special interest groups are specifically invited for the first time. Everyone who is working in the field of education and rehabilitation of people with visual impairment is invited. Under the conference theme of 'Living in a Changing Europe', topic areas such as children, rehabilitation of adults, multi disabled, deaf blind, children and youth with Batten's Disease (JNCL, NCL) are included. Both attendance and participation are warmly welcomed.

Chairperson ICEVI Europe

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