“We didn't expect such a response”: almost 120 children with special needs became participants in the inclusive sessions of the “Good Kazan”

The hotline received 182 applications to the camp

On July 22, the fourth shift of the Inclusive Summer project began at the “Good Kazan” coworking space. During the week, 13 children with special needs will attend creative and sports classes, workshops and interactive city playgrounds. As a result, the children will master everyday skills, interact with others, and discover their creative potential.

Due to the large number of applications received the number of summer shifts has been increased from three to nine. Presently, the inclusive shift is taking place alongside with the training apartment in Yudino. In August, it is planned to simultaneously launch three shifts: in the coworking “Good Kazan”, the inclusive center “Peremena” and the training apartment on Ippodromnaya Street.

Shifts at ANO “Good Kazan” were originally intended for children with intellectual disabilities aged 6 to 12 years. However, due to numerous requests from parents, children with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other conditions became participants. On August 12 - 16, the institutions will hold a shift for children with diabetes in the coworking. Now an endocrinologist is being selected for them, who will be able to provide medical care for low blood sugar levels.

Since the beginning of summer, nearly 120 children with special needs have joined inclusive shifts. “This summer has been a challenge for us, as we didn't expect such a high demand for inclusive summer camps. We understand that it is important for parents to have some time to relax, but it is also crucial for children to reach their full potential”- said Tatyana Merzlyakova, head of the ANO “Good Kazan”.

The day at the camp starts at 9am with morning activities and continues with breakfast. After that, according to the schedule, children attend creative or sports classes, take a walk, attend excursions, or participate in cooking lessons.

During the camp, children can learn important life skills, such as sitting at the table and eating with good manners. In therapy sessions, children not only receive rehabilitation from specially trained dogs, but also learn how to wait in line.

Neuro-correction classes for children are taught by Natalia Smelova, who joined the Good Kazan project due to her eight-year-old son's participation in the second camp shift. Despite having Down syndrome, Mikhail leads an active lifestyle, knowing the basics of piano playing and riding a two-wheeled bike.

New environment positively affects children's mood. In addition to the main program, “Good Bus” takes the children to public places such as the ecological and biological center, fire station, railway, cinemas, and parks.

The day at camp ends at 4 pm with an afternoon snack. At the end of the day, the children traditionally have activities, such as a soap bubble show or a quest to find a bag of presents.

The camp is supervised by three tutors, and their number may increase depending on the difficulty of the situation. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have many other conditions, so even those who seem calm at first can act unpredictably.

Two or three volunteers also participate in the camp. Some of these volunteers were recruited from the inclusive project “Good Lessons of Kazan”, which was funded by a grant from “The Movement of the First”. For example, they hold meetings with people with disabilities in children's summer camps, teaching them how to interact with this community.