The presentation of the book “Disability is not a defect” was held at the UNEC Inclusive Education Center.
The event was attended by Muqalib Mahmudov, Head of the Legal Awareness Sector of the Human Rights Ombudsman Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Narmin Aslanbeyova, Head of the Healthy Lifestyle Promotion and Social Programs Sector of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Rahila Hasratova, Director of Vocational Rehabilitation School for Persons with Disabilities No. 1, Heads of Non-Governmental Organizations Working on Disability, Directors of Libraries of State Institutions, People with Talented Disabilities presented in the book.
The coordinator of the inclusive education center, Sevinj Mahsimova, said that the elegantly designed 278-page book-album prepared by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population is the first publication that includes information rich in photos and information about the talented residents of the ministry’s social service institutions, their creative examples, and the book-album is about those who live with a sense of self-confidence despite their health limitations, stand out for their talents and abilities, and constantly strive to develop and improve their skills, social culture. He noted that there are about 60 people who have successfully established themselves in life and that they are rich in various examples of creativity.
Mugalib Mahmudov, the head of the legal awareness sector of the Ombudsman Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan for human rights, in his speech, noted that the projects implemented in the fields of expanding the opportunities of persons with disabilities, ensuring inclusion and equality, supporting their intellectual abilities, ensuring the participation of talented young people in international exhibitions, sports competitions, song and dance competitions and other directions are the result of the progressive approaches of the state policy regarding persons with disabilities in Azerbaijan.
Rahila Hasratova, the director of Vocational Rehabilitation School for People with Limited Health No. 1, spoke about the achievements of the graduates of the school with disabilities presented in the book “Disability is Not a Defect”.
Narmin Aslanbeyova, head of the promotion of healthy lifestyle and social programs sector of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, noted that there is cooperation with UNEC and that they will provide constant support to young people with disabilities, especially in UNEC.
Director of UNEC 24/7 Library, Arzu Mammadova, said that libraries are one of the psychological and spiritual steps taken in the integration of young people with physical disabilities into education, and that libraries have an undeniable role in their lives. He also spoke about the work currently being done in the field of inclusive library services.