The World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) and Deafblind International (DbI) are jointly organizing the next World Conference on Deafblindness, known within WFDB as the Helen Keller World Conference. For DbI, it will be the 19th World Conference, and for WFDB, its 13th edition. The main conference will take place from 19–23 July 2027 at the Davos Congress Centre, Davos, Switzerland.
We are pleased to announce a Call for Expressions of Interest to become a member of the Programme Committee for the conference. Based on an initial framework for the main conference, the Programme Committee will focus on the theme and on the content (excluding social events).
Responsibilities will include:
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Inviting and reviewing abstract submissions for the various conference formats
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Supporting presenters with biographies and presentation materials
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Contributing to the development of conference proceedings
The Programme Committee will work closely with the Planning Committee, which is also connected to the DbI Networks organising the pre-conference.
The Programme Committee will be composed of five members each from WFDB and DbI, representing all five global regions (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania). Diversity will also be considered across other dimensions.
Please note:
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This is a volunteer position.
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No funding is available for Deafblind interpreter costs for online participation.
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The role involves regular online meetings leading up to the event.
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The goal is to publish the conference programme approximately one year before the event.
To apply as a WFDB representative, you must:
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Be a person with deafblindness and a member of an organisation of persons with deafblindness
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Complete an application form
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Be proficient in English
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Have access to the internet
If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete this Word document and submit it to: 2027worldconference@wfdb.eu
Please find DbI’s call for representatives here
Deadline: 30 June 2025
We look forward to receiving your applications!