Inclusion in Culture: New Horizons
April 3rd at the Odessa Cultural Center UNION the III Regional Conference «Odessa: Inclusion in Culture», dedicated to World Autism Awareness Day, took place. The event was organized by the Department of International Cooperation, Culture, and Marketing of the Odessa City Council together with cultural partners.
Among the participants was Ivanna Demirova, an instructor from the Bolgrad Music School and co-author of the textbook «Inclusive Environment» — a collection of teaching practices, as reported by Rayon.Bolhrad.
«What a wonderful day filled with colleagues' experiences, engaging work, and amazing people! The conference was extremely rich, meaningful, and essential for all participants! Thank you all for your warmth, sincerity, and for sharing your invaluable experience», — shared Ivanna Demirova.
Context of the Year of Accessibility
The year 2025 has been declared the year of ACCESSIBLE SPACE in Ukraine, and the conference «Culture Without Barriers» has become a crucial step in implementing this initiative in the Odessa region. The aim of the event was to create an accessible cultural environment, to implement inclusive solutions, and to exchange experiences regarding working with children with special educational needs.
Participants discussed a wide range of topics:
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principles of physical, digital, societal, and educational accessibility;
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accessibility of cultural services for people with disabilities;
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socialization and artistic education for children with special needs;
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mental health of children and youth during wartime;
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organizational and methodological work of cultural institutions.
An exhibition of ceramic works from the inclusive workshop also took place as part of the conference, showcasing art as a tool for inclusion and self-expression.
