The International Journal of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies (IJRDS) is an international, peer-reviewed, and interdisciplinary journal that advances scientific inquiry and evidence-based discourse on rehabilitation, disability studies, inclusion, and human rights.
Published in collaboration between the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, and the Rehabilitation International Organization, IJRDS serves as a critical academic platform supporting the development of inclusive, equitable, and rights-based practices and policies for persons with disabilities across the globe.
Rooted in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the journal is committed to promoting a human rights–based approach to rehabilitation and disability. It emphasizes scholarly work that informs practice, policy, and systemic reform, particularly in contexts where marginalization and structural inequalities persist.
IJRDS invites high-quality, original submissions including empirical research articles, theoretical and conceptual papers, systematic reviews, case studies, and policy analyses in areas such as:
- Medical, psychosocial, and community-based rehabilitation frameworks
- Inclusive education, accessible employment, and social participation
- Human rights–based approaches to disability policy and law
- Assistive technologies, digital inclusion, and universal design
- Intersectionality in disability (gender, age, displacement, and socio-economic status)
- Cultural, linguistic, and historical perspectives on disability and identity
- Mental health and psychosocial support for persons with disabilities
- Inclusive disaster risk reduction and crisis response
- Monitoring and evaluation of rehabilitation systems and services
- Innovation in inclusive research methodologies and participatory action research
The journal also provides space for critical engagement with global and regional developments, particularly encouraging contributions from scholars, practitioners, and advocates in the Global South and the Arab region.
The International Journal of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies aspires to strengthen global knowledge exchange, support policy development, and promote inclusive, resilient societies where persons with disabilities fully enjoy their rights, dignity, and potential.
