The NCFU held an Inclusive Culture Festival, which brought around over 500 participants – university students and representatives of various organizations from all over Russia, including those who have no disability.

The main purpose of the event was exchange of inclusive practices in areas like education, culture and social activities, as well as demonstrating opportunities available when people with defferent capacities lock arms and act together.

The program was diverse – from various challenges and master-classes to foresight sessions and much more.

– This Festival has brought together here people of different regions, target groups and communities who share one common idea – to make education for people with disabilities more accessible and better, while making the social environment as comfortable as possible, – Vasily Ivanov (Director for Educational Policy, NCFU) noted.

– Our Festival has allowed the participants open up, discuss urgent issues, as well as their further prospects and potential. We have managed attract the attention of those who belong to whole different social groups, to one common issue. And the kids have taken huge interest, which is proof that events like this one are important and effective, helping everyone see things from a different angle and come out of the so-called comfort zone, – Natalia Borozinets (Acting Head of Department of Correction Psychology and Pedagogy; Director of Resource & Training Methodological Center, NCFU) was quoted as saying.

The final part of the event included a foresight session and the so-called open stage, where everyone – from NGO representatives to the regional authorities – could stand and discuss anything aimed at promoting the idea of inclusion.