On October 3rd, representatives of Kazimiero Simonavičiaus University participated in a scientific-practical conference “The Role of Higher Education in Creating Leadership Opportunities for People with Disabilities and Older Adults” held at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. The event was organized by Seimas member and Chair of the Disability Rights Committee, Monika Ošmianskienė, in collaboration with Mykolas Romeris University’s Laboratory for Social Inclusion and Leadership Research, and event partners – Kazimiero Simonavičiaus University and the Association of Municipal Social Care Institutions Managers.

KSU’s Rector Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė greeted the attendees and emphasized that, regardless of age, physical barriers, or disabilities – we can and should learn leadership from each other. This conference provides an opportunity for higher education institutions to better understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities and older adults, and to address their needs.

Speakers at the conference included representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, the Department of Disability Affairs under the Ministry of Social Security and Labor, various Lithuanian and foreign higher education institutions, employers, and representatives of organizations uniting people with disabilities and older adults. Presentations discussed higher education accessibility for people with disabilities, the educational and study needs of older adults, the development of social inclusion and business competencies, and the relevance of inclusion for elderly individuals. Participants from foreign countries shared their successful project experiences. At the conference, a report titled “Inclusion of Adults with Fewer Opportunities in the Education System” was presented by KSU lecturer Prof. Dr. Tomas Butvilas.