Vitaliy Serhiychuk, senior coach-methodologist and head of the Inclusive Friendly project, delivered a lecture on inclusive language.
“I often hear people say, ‘Oh, what’s the difference between saying “disabled person” and “person with a disability”?’ My response is: ‘If you have a big nose, would you rather be called “big-nosed” or “a person with a big nose”?’”
Yes, it may sound witty, but we all need to work on ourselves and our awareness so that inclusive language becomes a natural part of our everyday communication.
Olena Komar, Director of the Pivnik Charitable Foundation, an otolaryngologist, together with her assistant Anya, explained and demonstrated how the hearing organs work and shared practical advice.
“To hear ‘I love you’ at 90 and 100 years old, don’t use cotton swabs and don’t listen to loud music, especially with headphones. It’s not the headphones that are harmful, but the volume.”
Nataliia Udovytska-Kurda, Doctor of Philosophy and Professor at the Department of Ukrainian Philosophy and Culture at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, curator of Ukrainian Studies, spoke about the deep and meaningful concept of love in Ukrainian culture.
She also discussed how the idea of love for one’s neighbor was formed and developed, and the role national identity plays in building a security system.
Iryna Ternova, project manager for sign language at the NGO “Vidchuy,” gave guests a mini-lesson in sign language.
We learned how to say “exhibition,” “clay,” “ceramics,” “think,” and “dream” in sign language.
Ukrainian ceramicist Viktoria Belyavska presented her collection of inclusive tableware, which is convenient to eat from with one hand.
There was also a premiere — a prototype of a pitcher and cup designed for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Thank you to all Ceramic Art Week guests who participated in the forum!
We are sincerely grateful to the NGO “Vidchuy” and the Charitable Foundation “Pivnik” for expanding the boundaries of opportunities, dreams, actions, self-realization, and a dignified life for those who want to be HEARD.
