As part of the implementation of the targeted financing program of the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan IRN «BR24993150 Organization of psychological and pedagogical support for pre-vocational training of students with disabilities», carried out at Zhetysu University named after I. Zhansugurov, a working trip to Brussels (Kingdom of Belgium) took place from June 8 to 15, 2025. The purpose of the visit was to participate in advanced training courses on the topic «Inclusion in education: Steps to the Profession», aimed at expanding professional competencies and introducing advanced European practices in the field of inclusive education.
The delegation included the head of the program: Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Z. Movkebyaeva and members of the research group: Y. Khaimuldanov, B. Almukhambetova, G. Zholtayeva, R. Yessimkhanova, A. Duzelbayeva, B. Dyussenbayeva, A. Ermagambet, U. Kudaibergenova, M. Uvalieva, A. Zhigitov.
The program of the trip on the 1st day included a visit to the European Parliament to get acquainted with the work of one of the main EU institutions, which plays a key role in promoting the rights of people with disabilities and inclusive education in the EU. Speaker: visit administrator and lecturer of the European Parliament Robertas Pogorelis.
A meeting was held at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). The speaker was Dumitru Fornea, rapporteur on a number of EESC opinions, including issues on inclusion, the rights of people with disabilities, international cooperation and the EU’s relations with neighboring countries, including the countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan). He presented the Committee’s activities in the field of civil society and the rights of people with disabilities. Areas of interaction with organizations from Central Asia and partnership opportunities were discussed.
On the 2nd day, the European Association of Service Providers for People with Disabilities (EASPD) was presented. The main goal of its activities is to protect the rights of people with disabilities and ensure their access to quality inclusive services. The group was introduced to EASPD projects implemented in the field of inclusive education. Speaker: Liza Drannikova, Policy and Project Officer
The City Centre then hosted a session from Neurodiversity Belgium, an organisation that supports neurodivergent people of all ages and their families. NDB works with teachers from schools that work with neurodivergent people and other professionals to raise their awareness of neurodiversity issues. The organisation aims to create an inclusive environment for neurodivergent people. Speaker: educator, trainer, mentor and workshop leader Dr. Scott Lawrence.
On the 3d day, there was a meeting with the director of the Belgian organization Konekt Koen Deweer. The organization he leads works to ensure that people with disabilities can live, study and work as equals in society. The organization promotes inclusion through education, campaigns, training of specialists and cooperation with universities, companies and civil society.
The Belgian organization Bjièn, which supports neurodiverse people and promotes neuroinclusion in education, the workplace and society, was also presented to help managers and teams understand the importance of neurodiversity and make workplaces neuroinclusive. The session was led by speaker, trainer and consultant specializing in neurodiversity and inclusion Daphné De Troch.
The programme implementers visited the Support Centre for Inclusive Higher Education (SIHO). SIHO supports Flemish colleges and universities in implementing inclusive higher education and strengthening students’ mental well-being. The organisation offers consultation, intervision, coaching and training to implement inclusive education in diversity policies and educational practices of higher education institutions.
On the 4th day, a meeting was organized at Passwerk to discuss the topic “Inclusive employment of people with autism in the IT sector”. Speaker: consultant for neuroinclusion services Yolande Pacco.
Then a visit to the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp AP took place. During a meeting with the coordinator of the DIVE-IN WEEK project, issues of organizing an annual week dedicated to inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities in education and society were discussed. Speakers: teacher, researcher in social pedagogy (Orthopedagogie) Sarah Verreyken and the research group “Human and Society”.
On the 5th day, the European Agency for Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Education (EASNIE) was presented. This is an independent organization that unites the ministries of education of 31 European countries with the aim of developing inclusive educational systems. Participants were introduced to the Teacher Education for Inclusion project. Speaker: Project Manager of the European Agency for Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Education Antonella Mangiaracina.
One of the leading European organizations, Inclusion Europe, representing the interests of people with intellectual disabilities and their families, was also presented. Speaker: Executive Director of Inclusion Europe Milan Šveřepa.
#SDG #ЦУР #ТДМ