Highlighting Research on Equal Participation

How can equal participation for people with disabilities be achieved in practice—especially in the places where people live, work, and go about their daily lives? This was the question addressed at the 4th Congress on Participation Research, which recently took place at the University of Siegen. Around 230 researchers and participants in research projects gathered on the Unteres Schloss campus to discuss current research approaches, exchange experiences, and develop perspectives for the further development of inclusive structures. The fact that researchers from Zimbabwe and the Czech Republic also attended underscored the international significance of participation research.

“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 at the local level, in the municipalities. The Siegen perspective on participation in municipalities and social services met with great interest. Especially in light of current political developments, it remains a central task of research to highlight the importance of the rights enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to work together with people with disabilities to realize them,” says Prof. Dr. Albrecht Rohrmann of the Siegen organizing team.

The conference was organized by the University of Siegen in cooperation with the Action Alliance for Participation Research. The focus was on the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its implementation at the local and international levels. Participants came from universities and research institutes across Germany—including participation researchers with and without disabilities, as well as people with disabilities who, as co-researchers, contribute their experiences and expertise to the research. Also in attendance were project partners from municipalities, organizations, and support services, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Labor, Health, and Social Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Numerous thematic forums and research workshops highlighted the broad thematic and methodological scope of participation research. Topics discussed included municipal action planning, work and employment, supported housing, digitalization, health and rehabilitation, and political, cultural, and social participation. Another key focus was on participatory research approaches and the question of how people with disabilities can be involved in knowledge production as co-researchers.

The conference also laid the groundwork for further scholarly work: A special issue of the journal “Teilhabe” is planned for 2027 as a conference edition. In addition, a conference proceedings volume is being prepared for publication in 2027.