From 29 November
to 4 December 2025, a working visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan was carried
out within the framework of the 2025–2027 research project IRN AP29194469,
“Integration of Persons with Disabilities into the Labour Market: Development
of a Comprehensive Model of Labour Adaptation,” with the aim of studying
international practices. During the visit, the research staff, S.T. Okutayeva
and E.Kh. Askerov, held a series of meetings at KOBIA, the state organisation
responsible for the development of entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan, headed by
Mr. Orkhan Neymatragim oglu Mammadov. In addition, the project team visited the
well-known inclusive café Kashalata, where young people with mental
disabilities are employed. The founder of the café gave an interview to our
team, sharing her experience of working with persons with disabilities and
describing the main challenges and specific aspects of labour adaptation.
Furthermore, an
interview was conducted with Ms. Sara Rajabli, the founder of a catering
company in Baku that employs women with disabilities. During the same field
visit, the research team also met with Mr. Aydın Khalilov, Head of the
Independent Living Center for People with Disabilities.
The experience of
Azerbaijan is highly valuable and of great practical significance for the
development of a labour adaptation programme for persons with disabilities in
Kazakhstan.