Dr. Leontiev describes a research study comparing students with and without disabilities in regard of their emotional and adaptation resources.

Dr. Portuguese discusses medical phenomena that can mimic psychiatric disorders in people with cognitive disabilities, which therefore can prevent the provision of the necessary medical treatment.

The lecture focuses on the legal aspects of the research into the autistic genome – in the context of the significance of terminating pregnancies in which the fetus is expected to have a disability.

The lecture focuses on the transition of people with mental disabilities from institutional living to community living in light of the UN’s convention.

Sigal Peretz Yahalomi describes the process the AKIM organization went through as it moved from a parents organization to an individual-focused organization that is based on a societal approach that relates to the person’s will, aspirations, needs, liberties and inclusion in the community as part of the protection of human dignity and liberty.

The lecture focuses on sleep problems among people with disabilities with an emphasis on clinical aspects.

Ms. Geft, the director of the Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance, describes in her lecture the goals of the museum, which make its visitors feel the past, witness history, and see and understand that prejudice and discrimination still exist in all societies. Special stress is given in the lecture to the museum’s activity geared towards raising awareness of the lives of people with disabilities.

Mr. Kathleen Lync, Ireland’s Minister of State for Primary Care, Mental Health and Disability, describes in her lecture the transition from institutional living to life in the community for people with disabilities that occurred in Ireland in consideration of the wishes of the people themselves. 

Ms.  Connie Laurin-Bowie explains how article 19 of the UN’s Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities helps to strengthen communities.

Jean Judes – Executive Director, Beit Issie Shapiro
Lecture of Jean Judes, Beit Issie Shapiro’s Executive Director, presented at the UN as part of the Civil Society Forum, on promoting partnerships on a local, national and international level, in order to promote social change.