Fourth Conference on Participation Research in Siegen

Approximately 230 researchers and other stakeholders gathered at the University of Siegen for the 4th Congress on Participation Research to discuss the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the local level. The focus was on the question of how equal participation for people with disabilities can be achieved in concrete terms where they live, work, and go about their daily lives—with the participation of researchers from Zimbabwe and the Czech Republic as well.

“The conference demonstrated just how diverse and interdisciplinary participation research has become. At the same time, it became clear that the implementation of the right to equal participation is decided locally, in the municipalities,” says Prof. Dr. Albrecht Rohrmann of the Siegen organizing team.

The conference was organized by the University of Siegen in collaboration with the Action Alliance for Participation Research to mark the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Participants came from universities and research institutes across Germany—including participation researchers with and without disabilities, as well as people with disabilities serving as co-researchers. Topics discussed included municipal action planning, employment, supported housing, digitalization, health, and political, cultural, and social participation.

A special conference issue of the journal “Teilhabe” and a conference proceedings volume are planned for 2027.