Third Theatre and Autism forum organized in Minsk under support of A1
The third international forum Theatre and Autism. Questions and Answers took place in Minsk on 25 October. Experts from Belarus, Azerbaijan, France, Israel and Estonia shared their experience in successful integration of children with autism into society through remedial training and theatric therapy. The forum is traditionally organized by local charitable fund Family Inclusive-Theatre ‘i’ together with A1.
The third year in a row the forum becomes a platform for exchange of practical experience in creation of effective inclusive environment for experts of remedial centers, teachers, psychologists, tutors and parents. Their major tasks are drawing attention to remediation of people with autism via art and demonstration of potential perspectives in learning a profession and employment.
This time the speakers were: co-founder and program director of educational inclusive studio ¾ Marina Krisov (Tel-Aviv), director of rehabilitation center Lootus Onnele Anna Mikkonen and master’s student in pedagogic sciences of Talinn University as pedagogic consultant Olga Nigrovskaya (Talinn), creative director of Family inclusive-theatre ‘I’ Irina Kiseleva (Minsk) as well as students, parents, teachers, representatives of educational and healthcare institutions, social organizations engaged in creation and development of inclusive trainings and theatric therapy.
Recently theatre has become one of the most common and effective ways of engaging children and adults with special needs into social processes. This is one of the major topics for discussion among experts. Besides, inclusive experience in family and normal classes, specific aspects in creation of inclusive environment and opportunities of alternative education in Belarus earned the spotlight.
“Holding such a forum is an attempt to unite efforts of all organizations and people interested and capable of helping people with autism. It is fundamentally important that our seminars are always attended by representatives of regional centers for remedial training, teachers and tutors, parents, foreign experts. Everyone has own experience to share with others. Since without information about autism our society is not prepared to see children and adults with such a diagnosis at schools or offices while teachers and experts do not get additional trainings”, - noted Irina Kiseleva, art director of Family inclusive-theatre ‘i’.
One of conditions necessary for emergence and development of any inclusive initiatives is support from the business. Traditionally organization of International forum Theatre and Autism. Questions and Answers is supported by general partner Family Inclusive Theater ‘i’ and A1.