With the goal of raising awareness, training, and concrete action around the inclusion of persons with disabilities, the International Disability Seminar: Bridges of Inclusion is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Psychology and the International Academy of Catholic Leaders. The program will be held virtually in four sessions on August 9, September 13, October 11, and November 8, 2025, with participants connecting from the Americas and Europe.

The training is aimed at pastoral workers, professionals, families, and social leaders committed to a cultural and structural transformation around disability. The content will be organized into thematic modules that will address, among other aspects, the historical and social construction of disability, the role of the family, best practices in inclusive pastoral care, and tools for inclusive development.

“We joyfully and responsibly embrace the promotion of these training spaces that seek to welcome, care for, and promote the dignity of people with disabilities, fostering their inclusion and active participation in the life of the Church. As leaders, we must know how to interpret and understand the realities and needs of our communities to find spaces for community work, unity, charity, and solidarity,” emphasized Lara Bersano, executive director of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders.

The seminar proposes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating frameworks such as the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the WHO’s International Classification of Functioning (ICF), and the humanistic and Christian vision of Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti.

The evaluation will be practical and action-oriented: participants will be required to design a concrete project that promotes accessibility, the active participation of people with disabilities, and their full inclusion in community and church life.

The activity will be led by Dr. Flavia Palavecino, a renowned international consultant on disability and social development issues. Her pedagogical approach seeks to articulate theory, practice, and ethical commitment.

“The challenge of building a society that moves from inclusion to coexistence begins with a deep understanding of what disability is, how it impacts families, and how we can build real bridges toward the full participation of all people,” said Dr. Palavecino.
Registration is open at: http://www.liderescatolicos.net/discapacidad/postulaciones/
Schedules by country:

• 7:00 – 9:00 | Mexico and Central America
• 8:00 – 10:00 | Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador
• 9:00 – 11:00 | Venezuela, New York, Washington, and Chile
• 10:00 – 12:00 | Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay
• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Italy

This seminar is part of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders’ ongoing commitment to training leaders capable of building a more just, fraternal, and inclusive society, inspired by the Gospel and the Social Doctrine of the Church.