The Event “Library as a Platform for Inclusion”

On May 5, 2025, an event entitled “Library as a Platform for Inclusion” was held at the library of “Vanadzor State University after H. Tumanyan Foundation” within the framework of the national library week initiated by the Armenian Library Association.

The invited guests were Ruben Parsadanyan, coordinator of mutual assistance and mentoring of the employees of the NGO for people with disabilities “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities”, Vahan Sargsyan, advocacy coordinator, Head of the Lori Regional Society of the Blind, Anush Arakelyan, program coordinator, Hasmik Mkhitaryan, coordinator of informational directions, Astghik Asryan-Galayan, public relations specialist, and Anush Avetisyan, a volunteer of the organization.

The event, organized jointly with the library of Vanadzor State University and the Chair of Pedagogy and Psychology, was hosted by a 4^th-year student of the Chair of Social Pedagogy, Mery Mikaelyan. The opening speech was given by the library bibliographer, Nare Tonoyan. Fourth-year students of the Chair of Social Pedagogy discussed the importance and foundations of inclusive education in the Republic of Armenia and the programs being implemented.

The participants’ special attention was drawn to the creative performance in the format of a bibliodrama, which featured stories illustrating various aspects of inclusiveness. The main goal of the performance was to develop the ability of the audience to perceive situations from the point of view of children with special educational needs.

Ruben Parsadanyan shared his personal experience, spoke about his activities and leadership path, and answered questions from the audience. In turn, Vahan Sargsyan demonstrated the Braille alphabet and the basic principles of reading to the participants. At the end of the event, Head of the Library Gohar Gaboyan, Head of the Chair of Pedagogy and Psychology Lilit Baghdasaryan and Program Coordinator of the NGO “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities” Anush Arakelyan expressed their admiration for such meetings, emphasizing their importance.

At the end of the meeting, Head of the Library Gohar Gaboyan, Head of the Chair of Pedagogy and Psychology Lilit Baghdasaryan and Program Coordinator of the NGO “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities” Anush Arakelyan expressed their deep gratitude to the organizers of the event. They emphasized the exceptional importance of such initiatives for promoting inclusive values ​​in the educational and social environment.