The Islamic tradition is clear on the rights of persons with disabilities in society. However, this tradition remains misunderstood and under-studied, resulting in misconceptions about disability within Muslim communities. The goal of this conference is to advance our understandings of Islam and disability, the needs of Muslims with disabilities within an Islamic context, and the responsibilities of Muslim communities to support individuals with disabilities.
Theme of 2020: Towards a better understanding of disability in Islam.
Theme for 2021: To be Announced
What is it about?
The Islamic tradition is clear on the rights of persons with disabilities in society. However, this tradition remains misunderstood and under-studied, resulting in misconceptions about disability within Muslim communities. The goal of this conference is to advance our understandings of Islam and disability, the needs of Muslims with disabilities within an Islamic context, and the responsibilities of Muslim communities to support individuals with disabilities.
Who should attend?
This virtual, multi-disciplinary conference brings together the work of service providers, academics, Islamic scholars, individuals with lived
experience of disability, and disability advocates to explore opportunities and challenges for Muslims with disabilities in both Muslim majority and minority context. All those who are interested in hearing diverse perspectives on issues related to disability & Islam are welcome to attend.
Program Booklet
For last year’s program booklet, which includes the full schedule and speaker biographies, please click below:
GDIC Program Booklet 2020
GCDI 2020 Livestream
To watch a full replay of our 2020 conference, please click below:
GCDI 2020 Conference
Join our Global Network
The goal of this network is to continue dialogues initiated at the conference and provide opportunities for global learning and peer-support. To join the global network, please click below:
Global Network
Conference Outcomes
The first issue of DEEN’s annual Journal on Disability and Islam is a large outcome of this conference. All submitted papers will be considered for publication. Paper selection for the journal will be based upon peer review and conference presentation.
The launch of DEEN’s Global Network on Disability and Islam that will bring together service providers, academics, researchers, Islamic scholars, individuals with lived experience of disability, and disability advocates. The goal of this network is to continue dialogues initiated at the conference and provide opportunities for global learning and peer-support.
To join the global network, CLICK HERE
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FROM 2020
Dr. Ingrid Mattson: Next Steps – Obligations and Responsibilities of the Ummah
Dr.Mohammed Ghaly – Towards Understanding Disability in Islam
Media– GDIC 2020 Coverage:
Global Conference on Disability and Islam to Take Place Virtually – by AboutIslam.net
First Global Conference on Disability and Islam: Interview With Disability Activist Rafia-Haniff Cleofas – by MuslimLink.ca
Disability and Islam – Interview with DEEN CEO Rabia Khedr – by the Pulse on AMI-audio (via Apple Podcasts)
For media inquiries, please contact:
Rabia Khedr: (rabia.khedr@deensupportservices.ca | (905) 270-9679
Rafia Haniff-Cleofas: ( rafia.cleofas@deensupportservices.ca | (647) 836-3461)
We are honoured to have the support of the following organizations:
