ENU is strengthening its staff’s inclusive culture

At the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, on the initiative of the ENU Center for Inclusive Support, a seminar was held aimed at developing an inclusive educational environment and enhancing the professional competencies of the university's faculty and staff in order to support students with special educational needs.

At the opening of the event, Yaroslava Kovaleva, Head and Supervisor of the Center for Inclusive Support, made a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of creating an accessible, safe and supportive environment for all students.

"The formation of an inclusive educational environment involves providing equal opportunities to each and every student. This is our shared responsibility. Such meaningful meetings organized at the Eurasian National University contribute to the exchange of experience, the improvement of professional competencies and the systematic development of the principles of inclusion," Yaroslava Kovaleva said.

The seminar program addressed key aspects of inclusion in the higher education system. Dariya Merentsova, volunteering coach of the NGO National Volunteer Network, spoke about the role of volunteerism in the field of inclusion and the possibilities of involving students in socially significant activities.

The practical part was presented by specialists of the Asyl Amal Public Foundation. Intensive care physician Nursultan Musayev, as well as consulting physicians Bekaidar Bakirov, Madiyar Zhailaubai, Bekarys Nurbekuly and Akzhunis Orynbassar made presentations on first aid algorithms in an inclusive university.

The issues of digital accessibility were highlighted by business analyst of the Digital Development Department Aiganym Besembayeva. The participants were presented with elements of creating an accessible digital environment, including Smart Voice tools and an audio guide.

Special attention was paid to the psychological well-being of staff and teachers. Aigerim Kabylgaliyeva, Chief psychologist at the Psychological Support Center, conducted a training on stress prevention and professional burnout.

The master class on the basics of sign language translation was conducted by the sign language interpreter of the inclusive theater "Kanattylar" Aidana Japarova. The participants mastered basic communication skills with students with hearing impairment.

At the end of the event, a Q&A session was held with the participants.