Equal opportunities for all: The International Day of People with Disabilities is celebrated in Karaganda

A special holiday for special guests was held in the House of Friendship of Karaganda on the eve of the International Day of People with Disabilities.

Concert numbers were interspersed with congratulations and awarding of the distinguished.

The event was attended by Acting Akim of Karaganda region Zhenis Kasymbek and Minister of Information and Public Development Darkhan Kydyrali.

– Today we have gathered to celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities. Taking care of them and supporting them is a priority of state policy. There are real heroes among us who, despite all the trials of fate, find the strength to take care and help people with disabilities. These qualities are worthy of respect. More than 55 thousand people with disabilities live in our region. They receive comprehensive assistance from the state," Zhenis Kasymbek said.

– A commission on access to information has been established under our Ministry. Sound functions for visually impaired people have been launched on Open Government portals. Three republican grant projects aimed at supporting people with disabilities are being implemented, and every year non–governmental organizations in the field of support for socially vulnerable segments of the population become laureates of the award," Darkhan Kydyrali noted.

For active citizenship and attention to the problems of people with disabilities, three Karaganda residents were awarded honorary diplomas of the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, six more were noted with letters of thanks from the acting akim of the Karaganda region.

Among the awardees is the chairman of the regional branch of the public association "Kazakhstan Society of the Deaf" Nina Boss.

– I want to thank you for this award. Coincidentally, this year our society turned 85 years old. It's great that our work is appreciated, we are needed and in demand. There are 2,600 people with hearing disabilities in the Karaganda region, all of them need our attention and care, – says Nina Boss.

The high professionalism, sensitive attitude to people and conscientious performance of their duties by the residents of the region were also appreciated. The best in the nomination "Contribution to the development of non-governmental organizations" was the head of the public foundation "Ray of Hope" Tatiana Kravchenko.

Asel Bekbaeva, adviser to the akim of Karaganda, was recognized as the "Best freelance adviser to the akim of the city/district on issues of people with disabilities".

Batyl Jureq Public Foundation was awarded in the nomination "Promising Young non-governmental Organization".

Multiple prize-winner of international competitions in paratanets Aigul Balmagambetova was awarded in the nomination "Best athlete".

LLP "Kolganat-Kagandy" won in the category "Best employer".

– Our company is engaged in sewing production, we also produce furniture. We employ more than 50 people. More than half of them are people with disabilities. Our main goal is not to make a profit, but to employ as many Karaganda residents with special needs as possible. There is no need to be afraid to employ people with disabilities, they are full–fledged workers, they just need a little more attention, - says Margulan Bekmagambetov, representative of "Kolganat-Kagandy" LLP.

During the event, the performances of artists with special needs gave everyone a good mood and positive emotions.

The departments of employment and social programs of districts and cities of the region organized exhibitions in the lobby of the Friendship House.

Today, many Karaganda residents, despite health restrictions, continue to actively participate in the socio-political, cultural and sports life of the region, to work.

In our region, 70 organizations provide special social services. According to the state order, eight projects aimed at social support of people with disabilities have been implemented. Special attention is also paid to the employment of people with disabilities. Since the beginning of the year, 1,618 people have applied to the employment authorities, 79% of them are employed. Also, 90 people received grants to open their own business. This year, 80 enterprises have been identified, employing 14,369 people with special needs.