People with disabilities are frequently overlooked in the media. When they are covered, the perspective may be patronizing, charity-focused or even negative, using outdated, ableist terms. In the heart of Tashkent, USAID All Children Succeeding Activity gathered media professionals to help reshape the narrative around people with disabilities and inclusive education in Uzbekistan.
A two-day workshop titled “Coverage of Inclusive Education in the Media of Uzbekistan” brought together more than 30 journalists and bloggers from Tashkent, Namangan and Sirdaryo and provided them with the tools to tell stories that matter.
The event opened with remarks from U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick and the Chairman of the Yuksalish Movement and Member of Parliament, Bekmurodov Bobur Mansurovich. Ambassador Henick set the tone, emphasizing the project’s overarching goal: “We aim to support Uzbekistan’s efforts to become a safe and inclusive society.”
The Aug. 20 and 21, 2024, agenda was packed with sessions designed to enlighten and engage. Participants delved into the principles of inclusive education, empowering language on disability, the role of media in shaping public opinion and the legal frameworks supporting the rights of children with disabilities. Interactive sessions, such as mapping challenges and brainstorming solutions, ensured active participation and a dynamic exchange of ideas.
Munavvar Pardaev, Editor-in-Chief of Universitet Ovozi (Voice of University, in English) newspaper for Gulistan State University, said, “I have been writing about people with disabilities for many years, but our perspective was often limited. The media training profoundly changed my views, reaffirming the importance of inclusive education for children with special educational needs.”
What set this workshop apart was the inclusion of voices from within the disabled community who shared their lived experiences, offering invaluable insights, including Mamurjon Akhlidinov, an activist and blogger from the Deaf community.
“Uzbekistan ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2021, marking a significant step towards fulfilling its commitments,” said Akhlidinov. “Our recent training provided valuable insights and fostered a genuinely inclusive environment, emphasizing the slogan ‘Nothing about us without us.’”
Beyond theoretical discussions, the workshop emphasized practical skills. Participants discussed effective storytelling techniques, media project management and the correct use of inclusive terminology. Role-playing scenarios brought the real-life challenges faced by people with disabilities into sharp focus, fostering empathy and understanding among the attendees.
Aziz Abduvaliev, a correspondent for Daryo, an online media outlet, shared how the two-day workshop made him a better reporter.
“I often focused on submitting material quickly, sometimes overlooking the challenges faced by people with disabilities,” says Abduvaliev. “The training profoundly changed my approach, making me more mindful of these aspects in my reporting.”
By the end of the workshop, participants had crafted actionable plans to enhance their media content on inclusive education. The event concluded with a training assessment, the distribution of certificates and the announcement of a competition for the best media materials on inclusive education in Uzbekistan.
The USAID All Children Succeeding Activity works to support inclusive education in Uzbekistan, collaborating closely with government agencies and local and international partners to improve teaching practices and policies. This workshop was a testament to the power of media in driving social change, proving that with the right tools and knowledge, journalists and bloggers can play a pivotal role in building a more inclusive society.
