Inclusivity in action: Satbayev University has an auditorium for students with special needs

The grand opening of the auditorium for people with special needs, named after the teacher and scientist, honorary professor of University Tansaule Serikov, took place at Satbayev University. The auditorium was opened by University’s Rector Meiram Begentayev, who stressed in his speech that the opening of the auditorium is a continuation of Professor Serikov's mission to create an accessible and fair education for all.

In honor of the long-term friendship and the opening of the audience, by Academic Council's decision, Tansaula Serikov was awarded the title of honorary professor of University. Professor himself, who was present at the opening, expressed gratitude and stressed the importance of creating the inclusive conditions in education.

Auditorium named after Tansaule Serikov is a learning space equipped with the latest technologies designed to create an accessible environment - a sound amplifier for hard-of-hearing students, “a smart home” system that enables to control light using the voice, and verticals. Some of the equipment was manufactured at A. Burkitbayev Energy and Mechanical Engineering Institute at Satbayev University. Its director and head of the project for elaboration and manufacture of equipment, Professor Kassym Yelemessov, made a speech at the opening:

"Over 700 thousand people with special needs are registered in Kazakhstan," the scientist said, "of which more than 90 thousand are children, which is about 12% of the child population. In dynamics, there is an increase in the number of people in need of providing high-quality prosthetic and orthopedic products (upper and lower limb prostheses) and technical means of rehabilitation (wheelchairs, walkers, vertical jams, multifunctional seats).

To help all children in need of help, Center for the production of orthopedic products with the participation of scientists from Satbayev University will be opened in Kazakhstan.

At the opening, the first performance of hard of hearing students took place, who presented their ideas and projects with the help of a sign language interpreter. Of particular interest was the 3D layout of University campus, made by Aruzhan Kapassova, a student of O.A. Baikonurov Mining and Metallurgical Institute, as part of her thesis. The layout was made using Braille, which makes it accessible to the visually impaired.

The auditorium for people with special needs at Satbayev University will become not only a symbol of University's commitment to inclusivity, but also a place where every student, regardless of their abilities, will be able to realize their talents and contribute to science and society growth. The given significant event aimed at creating the inclusive educational space has become an important step in ensuring the equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their physical characteristics.