19 – 22 September 2018 in Sevastopol / Russia

From 19 to 22 September 2018 the 3rd Russian Congress was organized in Sevastopol. 120 participants from all over Russia, France, Germany and Kenya met at the Black Sea coast. At the official opening ceremony in the central park of the city, it was made clear that the background for this congress was not political, but socio-cultural, in order to improve the situation of people with disabilities throughout the peninsula. The organizers, visually impaired citizens of Sevastopol, had a lot of struggle to make this congress a success.

The first day was dedicated to “relaxation”. An inclusive regatta was organized and it was nice to see how the participants mixed with the locals on the beach. The next day the theme was “learning” and the last day we discussed how to turn our own ideas into reality. During the closing ceremony several hundred citizens were present and realized the inclusive city.

For the very first time a wedding took place during a congress. A young deaf-mute couple used this congress as a starting point for their life together. The ceremony took place at sunset near the sea. The participants were witnesses of their happiness- it shall last forever!