On behalf of the Delegation of the European Commission to Russia and the Association of European Businesses in Russia (AEB Russia), we are pleased to invite you to the "Business and Disability: Best practice" Roundtable that will be held in the conference room of the Delegation of the European Commission (Moscow, Kadashevskaya Nab. (Embankment), 14/1) on October 29, 2009 from 09:30 – 12:30 (registration begins at 09:00). 

The "Business and Disability: Best practice" Roundtable is the first meeting of this kind of European companies operating in Russia. The aim of the roundtable is to discuss ways of factoring disability into their business model in Russia.

Successful companies in Europe have already embraced the business case for disability.  By focusing on ability and not accepting physical boundaries or the barriers arising as a result of a particular disability, companies have enhanced their pool of talent in the workforce, diversified and widened their customer base, while contributing to the community in which their businesses operate. Although some good examples of businesses that engage individuals with disabilities, particularly in Moscow, exist, there is still a lot to do in this field in Russia.

Roundtable presentations will focus on the following issues:

-                      existing best practice of employment of people with disabilities in Russia;

-                      ways of adapting products, goods and services of companies to clients with disabilities;

-                      ways of establishing a successful cooperation between businesses and specialised workshops for young people with disabilities;

-                      business as a client of products manufactured by specialised workshops (Experience of the "Charity Instead of Souvenirs" Project).

Roundtable participants will have an opportunity

·         to access the know-how on adapting a workplace for employees with disabilities;

·         to share experiences and any apprehensions with fellow business colleagues;

·         to participate in a fair where goods are made by specialised workshops for the disabled;

·         to see a photo exhibition of people with disabilities, who have built careers, have families and are willing to share their personal stories with all those present.

To confirm your attendance, please register on-line at www.aebrus.ru/events/registration/   

Attendance fees:

This event is free of charge for both AEB Members and Non-Members.

Contacts:

Programme: Irina Kabenina, Project Officer, EU-Russia Cooperation Programme, Delegation of the European Commission to Russia, Irina.KABENINA@ec.europa.eu

Registration online: Maria Bliznetsova, AEB Events Coordinator, events@aebrus.ru