Date: 4 & 5 February 2025.
Location: Online.
The Disability under Siege Network + is a multidisciplinary programme aiming to transform education provisions for children with disabilities in war affected states, specifically Palestine (Gaza and West Bank), Lebanon, and Jordan. By bringing together a wide range of experts from across the Middle East region and the UK, the network has undertaken transformative research and practical interventions that support disability inclusivity, accessibility, understanding and resilience. There is also a strong focus on arts and culture as a way of increasing representation and changing perceptions of disability in the region. The programme is funded by UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), under the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).
The final conference marks the culmination of five years of extensive research, networking and impact collaborations across Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan. The event aims to bring people together from across the sector including disability activists, practitioners, people with disabilities, academics, and community leaders. We will share new research findings and best practice, discuss the current context and how we address urgent priorities going forward. Sessions will incorporate dynamic discussions, arts and cultural showcases, and policy and practice dialogues, designed to foster collaborative solutions and amplify the voices of those most affected by the intersection of disability, education and war.