Recently, the international integration forum "Accessible Work and Employment for People with Disabilities" was held in Vitebsk.
Recently, the international integration forum "Accessible Work and Employment for People with Disabilities" was held in Vitebsk. Our delegation from the territorial Centre for Social Services for the Population, led by director Natalya Ivanova, also attended the event. The event took place at the Palace of Sports within the framework of the V Accessibility Week, initiated by the "Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities".
The forum was organised by the "Knot" Centre of the Belarusian Association of Assistance to Persons with Disabilities "World Without Borders", the Committee for Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee, and the educational and human rights institution "Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities".
There were about two and a half hundred people: business people, experts from state structures, and people with disabilities themselves. Delegations from the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and other countries were present. The Head of the Committee for Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee was also in attendance.
A plenary session was held, followed by breakout sessions on various topics: "State Support Measures and Self-Employment Organisation for People with Disabilities", "Social Entrepreneurship – Paths to Sustainable Development and Opportunities for All", etc. Job search platforms, vocational training and preparation, and career guidance for people with physical disabilities presented their presentations. An exhibition-sale of products made by people with disabilities from various districts of the region was organised in the foyer. Creative masterclasses were conducted.— Did the Lepel residents showcase anything of their own?
— Of course. Our branded products under the name "Flax Fairy Tale", tapinaries – coffee trees, trees of happiness, and products made from foamiran – floral compositions, etc.
— Were they purchased?
— Our products were purchased, and we also acquired some items. For example, I bought a panel made by the day care department for people with disabilities of the Miory Territorial Centre, two wooden spoons produced by the Bogushevsk Combine, and a cookie jar made by craftsmen from Verkhnedvinsk using a jigsaw.
Interviewed by
Uladzimir MIKHNO.
In the photos: products by Lepel residents and items they purchased.
Photos by the author.