The workshops combine perspective, evidence, systems work, and implementation.
Workshop 1 – “Health from My Perspective”
Living with intellectual disabilities in the healthcare system
Moderated by people with intellectual disabilities and the Züriwerk institution.
Goal
This workshop gives people with intellectual disabilities an active voice and makes visible how they experience doctor visits, hospital stays, and medical communication in everyday life.
Content
People with intellectual disabilities share their experiences in the healthcare system – supported by professionals. Key questions are discussed in small groups: What is difficult? What helps? What do those affected want from doctors and institutions?
Benefit
Participants gain direct, authentic insight into the perspective of those affected and identify concrete approaches to improve communication and processes in everyday medical practice.
Workshop 2 – Evidence-Based Inclusion
Medical practice for people with intellectual disabilities
Dr Beatrice von Bonin, Senior Physician BESAS, Bern Hospital Centre for Geriatric Medicine Siloah.
Goal
Providing current, practice-relevant knowledge on medical care for people with intellectual disabilities.
Content
Based on current studies, common comorbidities, diagnostic challenges, and typical sources of error are presented. Using real case examples, participants develop concrete recommendations for daily practice.
Benefits
Participants receive concrete medical recommendations, checklists, and decision-making tools that can be applied directly in everyday clinical practice.
Workshop 3 – Getting the System Moving (D/E)
Roles, responsibility and collaboration in healthcare
Facilitated by:
Anjela Jenkins Senior Director, Global Inclusive Health Advocacy at Special Olympics;
Ilse Hemmelmeyer Senior Manager Health Programs Europe Eurasia Region;
Romain Fardel Head of Health, Special Olympics Switzerland
Goal
Key stakeholders from Special Olympics, the healthcare sector, and institutions develop joint strategies for more inclusive healthcare.
Content
Representatives of Special Olympics Switzerland, Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia and Special Olympics International discuss roles, responsibilities and cooperation models with professionals from medicine and politics. The goal is to identify synergies and make structural levers visible. The workshop will be offered in German and English.
Benefits
Participants are provided with an overview of existing initiatives as well as a shared perspective on future collaboration and systemic improvements.
Workshop 4 – Practice in Action
What can I do differently starting tomorrow?
Led by: MmkB – coach/moderator – institution
Goal
Insights from the congress are translated into concrete, realistic action steps for everyday professional practice.
Content
Using typical situations (general practice, hospital, emergency), participants analyze challenges and develop simple, actionable solutions. The focus is on small but impactful changes.
Benefits
Participants develop personal and institutional “next steps” that help to sustainably improve medical care for people with intellectual disabilities.