Protest Action
On October 28, 2025, a rally was held in Bishkek, organized by a group of society members, primarily individuals with vision problems. The participants expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of free specialized phones provided by the organization and demanded changes in leadership. As a result of the protest, two employees were dismissed: the head of the social department and one of the members of the central board.Support for the Current Leadership
On November 4, about a hundred members of the society, mostly hearing-impaired individuals, came to the central office to express their support for the current chairman, Kanat Zhapаров. They noted that under his leadership, "active work has begun in the society, conditions have improved, and the activities of enterprises have resumed.""There used to be no work, but now there is stability. I earn money, I have a workload," shared one of the participants of the meeting.Many also noted that the organization has started implementing various social and educational projects, especially for the youth.
Management's Reaction
Altynbek Kenzhebaev, the chairman's assistant, explained that the phones are purchased through tenders, and all necessary documents are available. He added that the organization does not control the range of models, as this depends on market offerings: "There were complaints about the variety of phone models. Previously, outdated models were issued, but now we are acquiring new ones. Technologies are evolving, and old devices are no longer produced. We only purchase through the established procedure, and all documents are in order."Restoration of Lost Property
Chairman Kanat Zhapаров, speaking before the society members, emphasized the importance of unity and the inadmissibility of division by types of disability."We are one society. We have different problems, but we must support each other," he noted.He also spoke about significant successes in recovering lost property, including land plots in Issyk-Kul, Tokmok, and Osh. "Some production enterprises were sold, and plots of 5, 10, and 16 hundredths ended up in the hands of others. We are working on their return. There are suspicions that some former employees are creating conflict situations to hinder us. Currently, the society is preparing to defend its interests in court. Everything that belongs to the society must remain with the people," he added.
The Society of the Blind and Deaf
Kanat Zhapаров emphasized that 11 production enterprises engaged in the manufacture of sewing products, furniture, and metal structures play a key role in ensuring the society's sustainability.
"The main orders come from the government. Currently, about 500 people are employed in the system, and with an increase in order volume, we will be able to employ more society members," he stated. At the end of his speech, Zhapаров assured that the central office would continue to work "in the interests of all society members, avoiding divisions and conflicts."
