On December 3, marking the 34th International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Qingdao Binhai University (QDBHU) convened a thematic event titled “Inclusion, Joy, and Growth” at the Lecture Hall of its Central Library. The event was held under the theme “Promoting a Disability-Inclusive Society and Advancing Social Progress,” bringing together representatives from government departments, universities, enterprises, social organizations, as well as teachers, students, and parents to jointly explore the practical pathways and development directions of inclusive education.

Distinguished guests attending the event included Yang Weidong, Deputy Division-level Official from the Qingdao West Coast New Area Disabled Persons' Federation; Han Xiaomeng, Executive Vice President of QDBHU; Qiu Dacai, Deputy Chairperson of the Huang dao District Working Committee of the China Democratic League; and Meng Xiansheng, Vice Principal of the West Coast New Area Special Education Center. Nearly a hundred representatives from compassionate enterprises, public welfare organizations, inclusive education schools, and volunteers participated. The event was hosted by Cui Xiaomin, Dean of the School of Continuing Education at QDBHU.

In her address, Han Xiaomeng stated that the university would continue to play its role as an institution of higher learning in the field of inclusive education, contributing to the building of an inclusive society. Yang Weidong presented the phased achievements made by the New Area in inclusive education and called for continued attention and support from all sectors of society for the cause of disability education.

During the keynote session, He Kan, a national special education expert and specially-appointed professor at QDBHU, interpreted the theme of this year's IDPD via video link. Chen Junyan, Director of the Special Education Center of QDBHU, delivered a report titled “The Qingdao West Coast Practice: Building a Regional Inclusive Education Support Ecosystem through Four-Party Collaboration”, introducing explorations and outcomes under a model that synergizes regular schools, special education institutions, families, and medical agencies.

Four categories of appreciation awards were presented on site, including the “Public Welfare Pioneer Award,” the “Corporate Social Responsibility Award,” the “Inclusive Education Public Welfare Partner Award,” and the “Devoted Companion Volunteer Award.” (The picture shows Yang Weidong (first from right) and Han Xiaomeng (first from left) presenting awards to the recipients.)

A round-table forum was held, focusing on the topic “How Can the Four Parties Collaborate to Support Children with Special Needs?” Representatives from fields including healthcare, kindergartens, families, universities, and study-assistance aides exchanged ideas and shared experiences and reflections on promoting inclusive education.

Following the event, participating guests toured a social integration achievements exhibition and engaged in interactive experiences at the inclusive park of the Special Education Center to witness the practice of inclusive education firsthand.

This event showcased the relevant accomplishments of the Qingdao West Coast New Area in inclusive education, providing a communication platform to advance regional educational equity and social integration.