Inclusive 'Together in Wheelchairs' Event Held at Palace Square in St. Petersburg
Inclusive Games at Palace Square: How St.
On September 13, Palace Square in St. Petersburg hosted the 'Together in Wheelchairs' event organized by the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization Physical Rehabilitation.
To demonstrate the importance of an accessible environment and independent mobility skills, organizers brought together people with and without disabilities for joint games.
Improvisation and an Individual Approach
The event program included ball games, tug-of-war, wheelchair races, and navigating a maze drawn on the asphalt to test maneuverability. People without mobility impairments also had the opportunity to try out assistive devices. An individual approach was evident when one of the boys became upset over losing a race: his father took a seat in another wheelchair, and they arranged a rematch, which the child ultimately won.
Weather Challenges and Equal Participation
Due to the forecast of prolonged rain, the total number of participants was lower than last year, as people with disabilities plan their outings in advance and rely on booking specialized transport. Nevertheless, the ratio of participants with and without disabilities reached an ideal fifty-fifty balance. Random passersby joined the games, including a young woman in a wheelchair with her mother. Ekaterina Klochkova, director of the autonomous non-profit organization and a physical therapist, noted that outsiders often avoid such initiatives, fearing financial demands.
"I constantly emphasized: participation is absolutely free, we are simply inviting everyone to spend a good time together," she explained, adding that this time even elderly women passing by tried riding in wheelchairs.
The event on the city's main square once again proved that creating a truly inclusive space does not require complex technologies - smooth asphalt, simple games, and a willingness to welcome every participant are enough. The organizers are already planning for next year, hoping that there will be even more such gathering points for people of all physical abilities.
Who is affected
Освещение инклюзивных практик и важности доступной городской среды для маломобильных граждан, как позитивный аспект в нормализации использования кресел-колясок в публичном пространстве.
