Aim and Scope

The 1st International Scientific and Professional Conference BRIDGE 2026: Down Syndrome – Opportunities, Support and Development will be held on March 20, 2026, at the Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega (Fakultet turizma i ruralnog razvoja u Požegi), Vukovarska 17, Požega, Croatia.

Conference organisers are:

The co-organizers of the conference are:

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences (CRO)

University of Zadar, Department of Psychology (CRO)

University of Zadar, Department of Pedagogy (CRO)

University of Zadar, Department of Teachers and Preschool Teachers Education (CRO)

University of Rijeka, Faculty of Medicine (CRO)

University of Rijeka, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology (CRO)

University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies (CRO)

University of Rijeka, Faculty of Speech and Language Pathology (CRO)

Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Faculty of Medicine in Pula (CRO)

Special Hospital for the Protection of Children with Neurodevelopmental and Motor Disorders Goljak (CRO)

Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Medicine Osijek (CRO)

Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Food Technology Osijek (CRO)

Požega School of Agriculture and Food Technology (CRO)

Julije Kempf Primary School Požega (CRO)

General County Hospital Požega (CRO)

Clinical Hospital Center of Rijeka (CRO)

Croatian Psychological Association (CRO)

Croatian Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians (CRO)

Požega Regional Office of the Croatian Institute for Social Work (CRO)

Croatian Institute of Public Health, Požega‑Slavonia County (CRO)

Croatian Down Syndrome Association (CRO)

Croatian Network for Contemporary Biomedicine and Healthcare – MEDWORK (CRO)

Požega‑Slavonia County Association of Psychologists (CRO)

Veruda Day Rehabilitation Center (CRO)

Association for Applied Nutritional Science in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H)

Center for rehabilitation and education of children Zlatni cekin (CRO)

Andrija Štampar Association for Public Health (CRO)

University of Tuzla, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation (B&H)

Croatian Institute for Social Work – Požega-Slavonia County Regional Office (CRO)

Ivan Štark Education and Training Center, Osijek (CRO) 

University of Mostar, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Educational Sciences (B&H)

Association "Life with Down Syndrome", Sarajevo (B&H)

 

The International Conference BRIDGE (Building Research, Inclusion, Development, Growth, Education) symbolises the connection between science and practice, creating a space for collaboration, dialogue, and knowledge exchange among professionals, researchers, parents, and students who work in various ways with people with developmental disabilities.

This conference marks the first in a series of scientific and professional gatherings that will address various topics related to the support, education, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the years to come.

In its inaugural edition, BRIDGE 2026 is dedicated to people with Down syndrome, with a special emphasis on promoting a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to their development and support. The conference brings together professionals from the fields of educational rehabilitation, speech therapy, psychology, pedagogy, nutrition, medicine, kinesiology, social work, and related disciplines, fostering collaboration among professionals, families, and the community to create more inclusive living conditions and opportunities for people with Down syndrome in all aspects of society.

Children and adults with Down syndrome are especially welcome, as they will be able to participate in educational and creative activities prepared and conducted by student volunteers. In this way, the International BRIDGE Conference becomes a living workshop of inclusion, where theory and practice meet through direct contact, shared experiences, and mutual learning.

The year 2026 also has symbolic importance, as it marks 160 years since John Langdon Down first described Down syndrome in 1866. This critical anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, highlight examples of best practice, and collectively build bridges between research, education, healthcare, and social support.

The 1st International Scientific and Professional Conference BRIDGE 2026: Down Syndrome – Opportunities, Support and Development will be held at the Faculty of Tourism and Rural Development in Požega, with the possibility of online participation for those who cannot attend in person. Participants can expect a rich program including professional lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and research presentations, as well as opportunities for networking and exchanging experiences.

The BRIDGE International Conference aims to be a meeting place for ideas, research, and experiences, but above all, a place that connects people who share a common goal: creating an inclusive, supportive, and humane society for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.