An inclusive group of tourists from Nizhny Novgorod visited the Vyksunskoye OMK plant.

      Tourists with mental features from Nizhny Novgorod visited Vyksa. This was the first excursion for people with disabilities as part of the development project of the Resource Center for Socio-Cultural Inclusion, supported by the charitable foundation "OMK-Participation" and the Presidential Grants Fund. A free transfer, a tour of the electric arc furnace shop No. 3 at OMK Vyksa Plant, a museum tour, and a themed lunch from the era of the Batyashev brothers were organized for a group of 18 people.

      Photo: OMK

      The group was assembled with the help of Marina Anisimova, director of the inclusive tourism and social adaptation center "Without Borders" for people with disabilities. Marina is a participant in the "Leaders of Limitless Opportunities" project, the first community of inclusive leaders in Russia, established at the Corporate University of the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      Photo: OMK

      "When I saw the invitation to Vyksa, I immediately booked two dates because there are many people interested, even for paid trips, but we had a unique chance to do it for free. There are very few professionally adapted excursions for people with disabilities in Russia. And for people with mental features, adapting tourist routes is even more challenging—it's top-level skill. Thank you so much for this experience; it's awesome. And huge thanks for your efforts in developing inclusive tourism. People with disabilities love and want to travel. We as organizers come up with ideas and tailor programs. But when the hosting side creates such conditions and prepares such a rich program, it's a great joy and achievement," notes Marina Anisimova.

      The second group from Nizhny Novgorod will visit Vyksa on July 31. In total, the project plans at least 10 free excursions for organized groups from the Nizhny Novgorod, Vladimir, and Ryazan regions.

      Photo: OMK

      "Our excursions are designed so that everyone can feel the taste of life in its full beauty and diversity. Therefore, we pay great attention to accessibility and safety, especially within the enterprise territory. It’s wonderful that the project allows us to tell about Vyksa and our experience in adapting tourist routes, as well as to learn from colleagues and guests. We listen carefully to the feedback from excursion participants, gather and analyze their opinions. Together, we create a space of joy, inspiration, and discovery," says Karina Krokhina, head of the Resource Center for Socio-Cultural Inclusion.