TSPU Students at the IX Regional "Abilympics" Championship

Tomsk hosted the ninth Regional "Abilympics" Championship, aimed at aiding individuals with disabilities in employment and socio-cultural adaptation. Among the 293 participants from 61 educational institutions were students from the Institute of Foreign Languages and International Cooperation (IFLIC) and the Faculty of Psychology and Special Education (FPSE) from the Tomsk State Pedagogical University (TSPU). 

"Abilympics" is an international nonprofit movement with a mission to enhance the social activity of people with disabilities, developing their professional skills for future employment. Additionally, the championship draws attention to the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in their professional self-development.

The Tomsk Pedagogical University at the "Abilympics" was presented by IFLIC students Dmitry Bezhovtsov, Taisiya Tolkacheva, Sergey Khomenko, Arsalan Bardymov, and FPSE student Oksana Fisenko. Senior lecturer Vera Valerievna Golubeva from IFLIC and senior lecturer Ekaterina Alekseevna Smalekha from FPSE joined as jury members.

«The training of experts began a month before the championship, focusing on the history of the movement, the regulations for experts' work, and the socio-psychological aspects of interacting with participants from various nosological groups. This insured a mutually comfortable communication, — says Vera Valerievna. — Since 'Abilympics' is an international championship, regional experts have the opportunity for professional development and even can apply for the national registry, which is truly significant and honorable».

IFLIC students competed in the "Translator" category, tasked with translating two original texts from English to Russian and from Russian to English using a dictionary. Participants' work was assessed based on criteria such as task completion, informational accuracy of translation, adherence to lexical and grammatical aspects, language norms and rules of translation, punctuation rules, accuracy of translating professional terms, idiomatic expressions, complex words, stylistic correspondence to the original, accuracy of translation format, and successful translation decisions.

As a result of the trials, Sergey Khomenko emerged as the winner, Dmitry Bezhovtsov took second place, and Taisiya Tolkacheva secured third place.  

«I'm glad that people with disabilities like us have the opportunity to develop professionally in such a broad field of competencies. This championship, accompanied by a positive and friendly atmosphere, helps to overcome societal stigmatization towards us», — says Sergey..

Oksana Fisenko showcased her skills in the "Preschool Education" category, consisting of two tasks: conducting a speech development session with a developmental aid, where the topic assigned to the student was "Professions," and using a cardboard constructor "Yohokub," and a mobile game with a developmental aid, which became the game "Hunter and Hares" using Dienes blocks. Oksana has participated in the championship before, and each season provides her with an opportunity to enhance her professional skills, meet like-minded individuals, and record new ideas for working with children. Currently, she is undergoing practical training in a kindergarten and can already apply her new knowledge to diversify communication with children.

As Ekaterina Alekseevna notes, the peculiarity of the championship in the "Preschool Education" direction lies in its practical-oriented tasks, which allow participants to unleash their creative side and not fear applying imagination in their work, which will ultimately help them feel confident in their chosen profession.

In addition to knowledge and new experiences, all "Abilympics" participants received diplomas, while winners were awarded medals and valuable gifts.