On September 11, 2026, ALT University named after M. Tynyshpaev hosted a meeting of the “SAQ” Volunteer Club, bringing together university students and master’s students with Saghat Sayatovich Omargaliyev, President of the ALTYN TIME Association of Persons with Disabilities, member of the Republican Coordinating Council for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and member of the Almaty Council for the Development of Inclusion.
The meeting was held within the framework of the “Barrier-Free Public Transport in Almaty” project, aimed at creating an accessible, safe and respectful public transport environment for persons with disabilities (PWD) and people with reduced mobility (PRM). The project focuses on developing the competencies of transport-sector employees in providing assistance and communicating correctly, safely and ethically with PWD and PRM.
During the meeting, participants:
discussed the project’s future plans and areas of work;
received guidance on volunteer activities;
learned about accessible infrastructure and barrier-free environments;
discussed the key barriers faced by persons with disabilities and people with reduced mobility when using public transport;
identified opportunities for students to contribute to the development of an inclusive transport environment.
Particular attention was paid to ethical, safe and respectful interaction with persons with disabilities, as well as the development of empathy, communication culture and social responsibility.
As part of the meeting, participants also took part in a campus tour of ALT University’s Student Residence Hall No. 1 and became familiar with the university’s infrastructure and approaches to creating an accessible educational environment.
The future “SAQ” volunteers demonstrated strong interest in the project and expressed their readiness to actively participate, apply their knowledge in practice and contribute to inclusive initiatives.
A significant role in the university’s participation in the project is played by Dariya Rakhimalievna Shabdenova, Head of the Office of Inclusive Education and Mental Health at ALT University. The Office supports inclusive initiatives, engages students and develops practical competencies aimed at creating a barrier-free environment. Dariya Shabdenova is one of the university participants and coordinators of the project.
The project contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4 — Quality Education
SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities
SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
The project is organized by the Office of Inclusive Education and Mental Health of the Department of Educational and Social Work at ALT University named after M. Tynyshpaev, in cooperation with the ALTYN TIME Association of Persons with Disabilities.
A barrier-free environment begins with understanding, respect and the willingness to act.
Author: Shabdenova D. R.
