Over the summer we had the opportunity to meet with Lilit Mnatsakanyan, director of the Republican Pedagogical-Psychological Center of Armenia or the ՀՄԿ – Հանրապետական մանկավարժահոգեբանական կենտրոն. These centers are the implementing body of all inclusive education programs in the country. There is one center in each region providing evaluations, assessments, and individualized educational plans to leaners with unique needs and or in need of additional support. During our meeting, we discussed ways to support their efforts through sustainable approaches by strengthening capacity in regions with low resources and providing guidance related to assistive technology and classroom modifications. As we are already working with the center in the Lori Region, we are looking forward to expanding this collaboration further to support participation of all learners in Armenia!

Last month we had the opportunity to visit We Can NGO/ «Մենք Կարող ենք» ՀԿ , one of our partner organizations in Yerevan. We Can or Մենք Կարող Ենք ՀԿ is a non-governmental Organization based in Yerevan focusing on the protection of rights of youth and children with intellectual disabilities and their family members. We joined their inclusive summer sessions which consist of creative activities that bring together youth with and without disabilities, siblings, and caregivers. Watch a video of their music activity here.

For the past year we have had the pleasure of learning from them to support disability advocacy in Armenia. We are also helping to put together resources related to sexual education and rights.

Together We Can have a more inclusive society! Thank you, We Can, for your important contributions!

We are so excited to visit Gyumri’s first inclusive playground at the Էմիլի Արեգակ կենտրոն! We played a small role in helping to get sensory equipment for this space and it is finally becoming a reality! This playground will have wheelchair accessible swings, elevated sand boxes, a trampoline, sensory stations, and more. It will be a safe space for all children to explore and play together!

Watch our reel!