Welcome Message
On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the 22nd International Congress on the Education of the Deaf (ICED 2015) I am very pleased to invite you to the historical city of Athens, Greece, where ICED will take place from 6 to 9 July of 2015. Athens, the city of Socrates and Pericles, has been inhabited continuously for over 7,000 years. Classical Athens, a powerful city-state and a centre for the arts, learning and philosophy, home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum, is widely referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Being a cosmopolitan metropolis with a vibrant, cultural, artistic and academic life, Athens is an ideal setting for our upcoming Congress.
ICED, since its foundation in Paris in 1878, has been the oldest and the most prestigious and influential body of inquiry in the field of education of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. It is organized every five years in different countries and attracts thousands of researchers, teachers, administrators, parents and professionals from allied fields such as medicine, psychology, speech, audiology, linguistics, sociology, and technology from many parts of the world.
The theme of ICED 2015 is “educating diverse learners: many ways, one goal”. One of the major challenges teachers and professionals working in the field of deaf education are faced with today is to provide individualized and quality education to a very diverse population of children and youth. Worldwide experts and highly distinguished international speakers from different scientific areas related to education of deaf and hard of hearing learners will have the opportunity to share the latest knowledge and experience on this theme, and on related issues and to network with prominent key scientists and potential international partners for future academic, scientific and professional co-operation.
Conveniently situated, the congress venue provides participants and accompanying members the opportunity to blend historical and modern Athens. The Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Zeus as well as world famous archaeological museums are only minutes away, and so are some of Greece’s fabulous sunny beaches. Make sure to save the colors, the light, the music, the dances as well as the flavors of the excellent Greek cuisine and consider taking a pre or post congress trip to the islands of the Aegean Sea, which offer a lifetime experience.
As hosts and organizers, we shall spare no effort in making your active participation to the congress scientifically rewarding and meaningful and your stay in Greece as enjoyable as possible. Congress participants will carry pleasant memories from the Greek hospitality, culture, traditions and historical heritage.
Make sure you save the date. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Athens in July 6-9, 2015.
The Chairperson of ICED 2015,
Venetta Lampropoulou
Professor of Deaf Education, University of Patras
