They are organised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
Previously on a four-year rotation, the championships are now held biennially, a year after the regional championships and year prior to the Paralympic Games.
In November 2016, the IPC (which serves as the international federation for 10 disability sports, including swimming) adopted the "World Para" brand for all 10 sports.
[1] The first World Para Swimming Championships were held from 2-7 December, 2017, in Mexico City; the first IPC Swimming Championships (the former title of the championships) were held from 14-26 July, 1990, in Assen, one year after the IPC was founded.
[2] The first (and only, as of 2023) short course world championships were held in December 2009, in Rio de Janeiro.