A warm welcome to the “Egmond Circle,” the international conference and gathering for people with thalidomide-related disabilities and their families. From October 26 through November 2, 2026, lectures and workshops will focus on topics such as health, aging, assistive devices, personal assistance, and accessible living.
In addition, guests can look forward to a diverse program of art and culture—and plenty of time for conversation and exchange. We look forward to spending time together on the Dutch North Sea coast!
Do you have any questions? You can find your contact person here.
This page is still under construction and is being updated regularly.
Conference
Here you’ll find all the information about the presentations, workshops, and speakers.
Supporting Program & Leisure Activities
Here you can learn more about activities related to art and culture, exercise, outings, and socializing.
“Egmond Circle” is an event organized by the North Rhine-Westphalia Association of Thalidomide Victims (e. V.).
“At all of our international meetings, we have experienced how empowering it is to come together, share our experiences, and realize that we are not alone with our questions, challenges, and needs.”
About “Egmond Circle”
From October 26 to November 2, 2026, Egmond aan Zee in the Netherlands will become an international gathering place for people with thalidomide-related disabilities and their families. For one week, the focus will be on topics that many participants know from their own experience and that are close to their hearts.
During the conference, experts and those directly affected will share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Presentations and workshops organized into three thematic blocks—“Remembering,” “Understanding,” and “Looking Ahead”—will address topics such as health and aging, medical care, assistive devices, personal assistance and nursing care, barrier-free living, mobility, and vehicle modifications.
But “Egmond Circle” is more than just a conference. It is a reunion, a gathering, and a place for exchange. Many guests know each other from previous international meetings, while others are attending for the first time. Our experience has shown that every encounter can strengthen bonds, bring people together, and provide new inspiration.
Throughout the week, there will also be plenty of opportunities for personal conversations, art and culture, creative activities, exercise, relaxation, and the exchange of international experiences.
We look forward to spending a week together by the sea—filled with in-depth knowledge sharing, practical ideas, personal encounters, and many memorable moments.
About the Organizer
The Contergan Victims’ Association of North Rhine-Westphalia (Interessenverband Contergangeschädigter NRW e. V.)—a support organization for those with prenatal disabilities—was founded in 1967 by parents, based on the principle of self-help.
Then as now, the same principle applies: Many challenges are best overcome within a strong community and through the sharing of experiences. In the early years, the focus was on issues such as preschool, school, prosthetics, and medical care. Today, the primary focus is on long-term effects and the psychosocial burdens faced by those affected.
Of the approximately 2,400 people in Germany with thalidomide-related disabilities, about 800 live in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Association of Thalidomide Victims in North Rhine-Westphalia (Interessenverband Contergan-geschädigter NRW e. V.) is a member of the Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims (Bundesverband Contergan-geschädigter e. V.).
