The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation wins the American Chamber of Commerce Award

The American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan (AmCham) recognized the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation’s contribution to healthcare development with an award in the “Healthcare” category for implementing its “Autism: One World for All” program.

The annual AmCham awards ceremony was held on November 21 in Astana. The winners were decided based on the results of voting of an independent commission.

The project, aimed at early diagnosis and support for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), has become an example of how private initiatives can change the lives of thousands of families and create a more inclusive society.

The “Autism: One World for All” program has been implemented by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation since 2015. Today, 13 Asyl Miras centers operate in 12 cities across Kazakhstan, and over this time, more than 17,000 children and their parents have received support.

All centers provide services free of charge, combining the efforts of psychologists, special education teachers, and behavioral analysts who employ modern international methods. Over the ten years of the Foundation’s work, the program has trained more than 300 specialists who work at Asyl Miras autism centers across the country.

The Foundation has implemented international early intervention standards and evidence-based methods, the efficiency of which was confirmed by research in the USA and Europe. The program incorporates leading global models recognized by experts: the ABA therapy, JASPER, the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), and the MCPP Crisis Management Methodology.

The program’s main goal is to create a sustainable support system for children with ASD and their families, develop a culture of inclusion, and raise public awareness. Beyond providing direct assistance, the program plays a key role in shaping an inclusive society. Through awareness campaigns, educational projects, and open dialogue, the Foundation promotes the idea that the world truly is one for everyone, regardless of developmental or cognitive challenges.

The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation continues to train specialists and share knowledge. Currently, memoranda have been signed with various centers, such as the National Center for Children’s Rehabilitation in Astana and the National Center for Advanced Training “Orleu.” Furthermore, school and college teachers, speech therapists, and PMPC (Psychological, medical and pedagogical commission) staff from across the country are receiving free training in modern approaches to working with children with ASD.

The Foundation initiated the Autism Friendly program. The project’s goal is to create a comfortable and accessible environment for people with autism spectrum disorders. Airport staff in Almaty and Kyzylorda, as well as Air Astana employees, have already completed training under this program.

“For us, this award is recognition that the topic of inclusion is becoming increasingly important to society. When we launched the “Autism: One World for All” program, our goal was to help children with ASD realize their potential and become part of an accepting and supportive world. Today, we are seeing real changes: thousands of families have found support, and society is becoming more open and understanding. This inspires us to move forward,” noted Almaz Sharman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.

AmCham’s recognition in the “Healthcare” category confirms the program’s significance not only for its participants but for the entire healthcare system of Kazakhstan. The Foundation’s project has become an example of successful collaboration between the government, business, and society in addressing social challenges.

This is the Foundation’s second award from AmCham: last year, the organization received the award in the “Community Service” category for its systematic charitable activities and significant contribution to the social development of Kazakhstan.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan (AmCham) is the leading business association representing the interests of international and Kazakhstani companies from key economic sectors. Through advocacy, expert committees, policy dialogue, and systematic engagement with the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, AmCham promotes the development of a competitive, transparent, and investment-friendly business environment.