The development of inclusive education was discussed at the IT-Planet Mentors Forum held at the National Centre RUSSIA
On November 14, the first IT-Planet Mentors Forum opened at the National Centre RUSSIA. Over 150 representatives from institutions of higher and secondary vocational education, government bodies, and business communities from Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan discussed the development and training of personnel for the IT sector and innovative industries of the economy.
Supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and the National Centre RUSSIA, the forum is organized by the ANO "Centre for the Development of Innovative Technologies 'IT-Planet,'" whose international projects unite more than 300,000 developers and users of innovation.
The first event of the business program was the panel discussion "Development of Inclusive Education." Participants discussed models for conducting Olympiads and competitions for students with special educational needs, methods for adapting assignments and ensuring material accessibility, issues of interaction with IT companies, and strategies for increasing inclusiveness in their products, as well as strategies for supporting students with disabilities and special health needs.
Anna Braines, Deputy Director of the Department of State Youth Policy and Educational Activities of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, shared the ministry’s perspective on issues of inclusion. She especially emphasized the importance of involving students with special needs in the higher education system.
"We aim to make higher education more open, so that young people have the opportunity to pursue various specializations, develop interests and talents, and ideally, remain in science without fearing they might face insurmountable challenges," said Anna Braines.
Mikhail Osokin, Director of Regional Development for the All-Russian Society of Disabled Persons, emphasized that modern Olympiads should be practice-oriented, allowing participants to solve practical issues related to production and other aspects of "real" activities.
"This is a wonderful idea — to gather mentors. We often look at the end result without fully understanding that behind talented children there are talented mentors who once told them, 'You can achieve anything.' But at the same time, I would like the Olympiad movement to have a more thoughtful and purposeful approach. 'Competitions for top students' of sorts are, of course, necessary, but young people also need to acquire skills that will make them valuable in the real job market, such as technological entrepreneurship," said Mikhail Osokin.
Aliya Urusova, head of the project "Unlimited Opportunities" by ANO "CDIT IT-Planet," shared information about a program involving people with special needs in teamwork and innovative projects.
The challenges and prospects of building an inclusive community from the perspective of an educational organization were addressed by Daria Demina, Director of the Centre for Inclusive Education Support at Moscow State Linguistic University, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, and Associate Professor.
Artem Meinov, a graduate student at ITMO University and finalist of the national award "Russia — Land of Opportunity," spoke about his challenging journey in science and his realization of inclusiveness, emphasizing that people with disabilities should not be pitied but supported. Yevgeny Dorofeyev, Head of Higher Education and Vocational Education at Red Soft company, shared his perspective as an employer on working with people with special needs.
The meeting was chaired by Sergei Shalashny, Chairman of the Board of ANO "CDIT IT-Planet."
Throughout the day, the forum will host the "Business-Academic Lounge," where participants will present their products and services in mini-expositions.
The program also includes panel discussions on "International Development of the Olympiad Movement" and "Identifying and Nurturing Talent in the Academic Environment." Topics will cover the development of international cooperation in identifying and supporting talented students, new approaches and strategies for expanding the Olympiad movement, using modern technologies to identify and support talent with the participation of employers, and the role of Olympiads and competitions in career guidance and preparing students for future careers.
Experts separately discussed the experience of holding the IT-Planet Olympiad, as well as the career and educational opportunities within the community. The best mentors of the project were awarded letters of appreciation.
The National Centre RUSSIA was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and to showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens on a permanent basis. Federal government agencies, state companies, corporations, and regions take part in the Centre’s work. The first event at the National Centre RUSSIA was the International Symposium "Inventing the Future," which welcomed more than 6,000 guests from 101 countries.
The National Centre RUSSIA is located at 14 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow. The Centre is open from 10:00 to 20:00 every day except Monday.
