About ‘Look Wider’ photobook:“I am picking up this book with great interest and awe. That is because I have known its author, Oleg Kolpashchikov, for a couple of years now. He and his colleagues have been coming to Germany for the annual ‘International Dialogue: the EU – CIS’ conference aimed at social protection and integration of people with disabilities. The audience has received Oleg’s bright, informative presentations with an unvarying interest. Moreover, although his performances are always accompanied by excellent video presentation, it is this book that allows you to understand clearly how extraordinary courageous, cheerful and optimistic these people are, even though fate gave them a rough ride.However, their talent, creativity, sensitivity to life allows them to overcome many challenges and take their rightful place in society, which is just beginning to understand that these young, active people with disabilities need conditions for self-realization rather than plain material support. When they have these conditions, their return to society will increase many times.
Oleg is not only a talented person, wonderful manager and tireless enthusiast, but also a great writer. [In his book] He chose the form of a dialogue to talk in a light, ironic manner about the overcoming, the triumph of the spirit, and the unlimited capabilities of man, illustrated by beautiful photographs by Natasha Podunova.
I highly recommend this book to German readers, as it will help them learn more about this little-known side of Russian life and meet its wonderful citizens. Especially, I recommend this book to young readers, as it gives us hope and faith that all life’s difficulties can be overcome, if we do not give up.
Good luck to you, Oleg! Let there be health, happiness with you! Let all your ideas come true!”