April 2011

A seminar organized by the Almaty City Association of Disabled Persons has been held in the Alatau Therapeutic Recreation Complex, Almaty, as part of the social project “Decent Life for Disabled Persons”, the purpose of which was to develop a single system in Kazakhstan – “Invataxi” in the sphere of rendering transportation services for people with disabilities.

Opening of the seminar was held on April 18. The welcoming speech was made by a representative of the “Saby” Foundation that had developed the project “Decent Life for Disabled Persons”, within the framework of which 41 specially-equipped vehicles were purchased and donated to the 14 regions of the country to transport wheelchair users. Sets of computer equipment were presented to all participants on behalf of the Foundation in order to improve the work of dispatching services, as well as to unify reporting on the operation of vehicles. In turn, public associations of disabled persons of Kazakhstan expressed their gratitude to the “Saby” Foundation and exchanged reports on the status of development and activity of “Invataxi” services in regions.

On April 19, a working day of the seminar, the following matters were discussed: common rules and technical specifications for carriage of disabled persons, special programs and recommendations for the work of “Invataxi” services. All participants received appropriate manuals and were trained to use a new computer program for dispatching services.

The “Saby” Charitable Foundation believes that this project will promote equal opportunities for people who use wheelchairs as well as for other categories of disabled persons who have difficulties in walking.

Another batch of “Invataxi” vehicles were delivered to Almaty from Germany, which were purchased by the “Saby” Foundation at the end of last year. The new owners of special transport are associations of disabled persons from Ust-Kamenogorsk and Kyzylorda that start rendering free transportation services to persons having special difficulties in walking.

As for Shymkent, the two cars were presented to the city last year. However, according to the decision of the Foundation two additional vehicles will be transferred to the city, because this region is characterized by a great number of people with disabilities who are unable to use public transport.

To date, fourteen non-governmental organizations of people with disabilities from 14 regions of Kazakhstan have 41 “Invataxi” vehicles presented to them by the “Saby” Foundation.

Photos of “Invataxi” Service in Kokchetau and Ust-Kamenogorsk

Photos of “Invataxi” service in Kyzylorda