Nazarbayev University LibGuides: Disability Support and Inclusion: Our Events

Our Events

Besides offering state-of-art resources and services, the NU Library strives to create a venue for knowledge-sharing and discussion on disability inclusion in the NU community and beyond.

In line with this, the library regularly hosts thematic events and develops its outreach programs including assistive technologies training,

In furtherance of our commitment to inclusion of persons with disabilities, in 2020-2021 the NU Library in cooperation with NU Alumni Public Union hosted a series of NU Disability Talks themed around three key concepts: disability, society, and inclusion in the context of Kazakhstan.

This series was aimed at offering an opportunity for the exchange of ideas, reflection on the country’s pressing issues around disability, and learning from the experiences of other CRPD signatories.

Despite the global disruption brought about by the Covid-19 Pandemic, we have hosted several sessions within the NU Disability Talks both off and online.

Starting off with the presentation and discussion of Kazakhstan's alternative report to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the series covered major issues in the implementation of the Convention, focusing on education, participation in the governance and conduct of public affairs, access to art and museum spaces, among others.

You will find all recorded webinars on the library Youtube channel.

The Human Library is a worldwide movement for social change through conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices. The event provides a space where real people (human books) are on loan to readers. The goal is for the books to open up and share their stories. The readers ask valid questions to fully appreciate the life of the human books. Eventually this is expected to lessen discrimination, promote understanding and acceptance in the society.

Nazarbayev University Human Libraries started on March 30, 2016, and became a regular event. So far, we were able to invite people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+, young women in science among others.

“Inclusive Teaching in South Africa” by Tsediso Michael Makoelle

In 2017, the NU library hosted a book launch of “Inclusive Teaching in South Africa” by Tsediso Michael Makoelle, Professor at NU Graduate School of Education.

The book provides insights on inclusive practices in South Africa’s context and enables discourse useful for comparative study in Kazakhstan.

"Только не говорите, это слишком" by Gulnara Bazhkenova

In 2018, the NU Library hosted a presentation of the non-fiction book "Только не говорите, это слишком" by Gulnara Bazhkenova, a prominent Kazakhstani journalist.

The book features outstanding but often underappreciated work of teachers, mentors and activists who devote themselves to the inclusion of children with disabilities into mainstream schools around Kazakhstan.

UNDP Social Good Summit

In October 2017, library assistive technologies team participated in the annual Social Good Summit organized by the UNDP Kazakhstan at Nazarbayev University. The library staff delivered a presentation “Assistive technologies make education accessible” thus contributing to raising public awareness of accessibility and assistive technologies in the educational context.

Summit on Global Challenges of Youth with Disabilities

In July 2018, Ziyat Abdykaimov, Expert Manager for assistive technologies and accessibility at the NU Library, participated in an international forum Global Challenges of Youth with Disabilities in Seoul, and presented at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea on Kazakhstan’s policies and practices of including persons with disabilities in education. The program provided delegates with excellent opportunity to discuss and learn about Korean practices in the field of education, employment and independent living of persons with disabilities. Participants visited government agencies such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Institute for Special Education as well as non-governmental organizations and private businesses which address welfare policy issues, conduct educational research and engage in other initiatives aimed at increasing employment and independent living for the disability community.