“Here I am!”: an exhibition about people with intellectual disabilities in Moscow

Inclusion Europe’s member Perspektiva, together with the Best Buddies Russia foundation, has organised an exhibition called Here I am! at the Russian Duma (Parliament). The exhibition featured photos, videos, and stories about the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, including how they study, work, make friends, and dream.

``Here I am!``: an exhibition about people with intellectual disabilities in Moscow

Inclusion Europe’s member Perspektiva, together with the Best Buddies Russia foundationhas organised an exhibition called Here I am! at the Russian Duma (Parliament). The exhibition featured photos, videos, and stories about the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, including how they study, work, make friends, and dream.

The exhibition is unique given that information about the people portrayed – 18 children and adults with disabilities aged 9-57 – was presented in an easy-to-read format. 

Here I amshows that people with intellectual disabilities are the same as everyone else: they want to make friends and interact with them, work, and feel needed. The exhibition depictthem in different situationsfor example at home, school, work, doing sports, performing, and even writing plays. 

According to Denise Roza, CEO of Perspektiva and Best Buddies Russia: 

“Everything that matters for an ordinary person matters for a person with disabilities – they too want to be noticed, they want their self-sustainability to be acknowledged and their needs to not be ignored. Everyone wants to be heard and accomplish things in this world. Our exhibition tells stories of people with intellectual disabilities from around Russia who we support to become fullyfledged members of society; it is very important that the state takes part in this process and helps destroy barriers.” 

Denise Roza, CEO of Perspektiva and BB Russia, talks with the participants at the event.

Best Buddies Russia’s ambassador and self-advocate Albert Arutyunyan added how important it is for people with disabilities to have a voice and geopportunities to show what they can do: 

“I study at carpentry workshops, do oil painting and create ceramic sculptures. Autism does not prevent me from working and creating, since the most important thing is your friends’ support.” 

In future, Perspektiva and Best Buddies Russia envisage bringing the exhibition to other Russian cities. 

Our work brings the voice of people with intellectual disabilities and their families where decisions about their future are made.

This has always been incredibly important. It is even more so with the Covid pandemic drastic impact on their rights and lives.

Being visible and vocal on issues directly affecting millions of people requires your support. 

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