Skip to main content
Header

BACKGROUND

The International Forum on Disability Management (IFDM) started with a vision: to gather representatives of stakeholders in Disability Management (DM) and Return to Work (RTW) from all over the world. IFDM assembles these global perspectives on consensus-based best practices, cutting edge research, and successful Disability Management and Return to Work policies, programs, and practices.

WHEN & WHERE

The IFDM World Forum occurs on a biennial basis. In 2026, IDMSC UK & Ireland will bring the event to the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh, Scotland from 22-23 September 2026, with registration on the 21st.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

  1. Knowledge exchange from academic experts in developments in DM, RTW and vocational rehabilitation research. 
  2. Connecting with the IFDM international colleagues on the issues in their countries since Vancouver, Canada 2024
  3. Linking with other professionals, to support peer learning across international boundaries
  4. Extensive learning and networking opportunities
  5. Pursuing the connection and possible international collaboration with colleagues.

The content of the #IFDM2026 programme will be co-produced by the Conference Committee in consultation with additional input from international experts.

IMPACTS OF THE CONFERENCE - THE FOUR PILLARS

We are now in a period where governments are developing ways to support people who are “Economically Inactive” and many agencies including health, employers, rehabilitation and technology are all focusing on this issue. Globally these issues are leading to different approaches and the conference aims to compare and contrast.

The conference will also focus on the following four pillars:

  1. Creating a Culture of Accommodation
  2. Brain Health (including Neurodiversity) and the Issues associated with work
  3. Health and Disability Management working in Partnership to improve outcomes
  4. Promoting Early Intervention to assist Mental Wellbeing (What works for whom?)

The plan is to focus on this agenda and gain insight from international partners, in addition to the work being carried out here in the UK. Included in the programme will be presentations from people with lived experiences of disability/poor health and work. With a well-developed communications strategy, evoke greater awareness and interest in Disability Management (DM) and Return to Work (RTW) amongst businesses and state bodies in the UK, Ireland and Europe and wider afield.