Rationale of the conference

Disability support services across Europe and beyond will continue to face increasing pressure to respond to complex social, economic and organisational challenges. Service providers will need to adapt to a changing society, while ensuring that support remains firmly rooted in the principles of human rights and self-determination.

Organisational change will be essential. Disability services will be required to strengthen their capacity to deliver person-centred, community-based support by modernising governance and management models, improving organisational efficiency and embracing digitalisation, sustainability and cross-sector collaboration.

In this context, EASPD and Humanitas (Portuguese Federation for Intellectual Disability) will co-host the international conference “Leading change in disability services: Strengthening capacity for person-centred support” in Porto, Portugal, on 14–15 May 2026. The conference will bring together disability service leaders and professionals to explore how to drive meaningful and sustainable organisational change.

Over the two days, participants will examine how disability support services can rethink their models of support and respond effectively to current and future challenges. The programme will explore strategies to modernise organisational structures, strengthen leadership and support services in navigating staff shortages and financial pressures, while maintaining a strong focus on inclusion and community-based approaches.

The conference will also examine the legal and policy frameworks at international and national level that shape disability services and influence organisational change. Discussions will consider how policy can enable services to innovate, collaborate across sectors, and better support people with disabilities, their families and informal carers.