The 2023 traditional conference of the Central Eurasian Studies Society CESS (USA) was held on October 19-23 at the University of Pittsburgh, a member of the American University League.
About 300 specialists and experts in Central Eurasia participated in this conference and presented lectures on current topics.
Professor Shakhnoza Madayeva, Doctor of Philosophy from the Department of “Philosophy and Logic” of the Faculty of Social Sciences of UzMU, “The role of Hanafia and Sufism in the history of Uzbek identity” and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), associate professor Khurshid Tashov made a presentation on “Libraries for people with visual disabilities in Uzbekistan as a factor of their socialization”.
In his presentation, Khurshid Tashov emphasized the significance of accessible library services and resources in facilitating the socialization and integration of people with visual impairments into society. He highlighted the challenges faced by this demographic group in accessing educational and recreational materials, as well as the importance of tailored library services in addressing their unique needs.
“The provision of accessible library services is vital for promoting the social inclusion and empowerment of individuals with visual disabilities. Libraries serve as invaluable resources for educational, informational, and recreational purposes, and it is essential to ensure that they are accessible to all members of society,” remarked Khurshid Tashov during his presentation.
Khurshid Tashov also discussed various initiatives and best practices implemented in Uzbekistan to enhance library accessibility for people with visual impairments. These initiatives include the digitization of library materials, the provision of specialized assistive technologies, and the training of library staff in serving patrons with disabilities.