Oleg Kolpatschikov, Consultant, coach, activist, co-founder of the social initiative “White Cane”, Yekaterinburg

Oleg is a certified consultant coach. He also is the co-founder of the social initiative “White Cane” and the head of a humanitarian mission, named “The Sails of the Spirit”. 

Kolpatschikov is completely blind.

Born in 1972 in Yekaterinburg, he started but did not complete his higher education at the Ural State University of Economics and Management, and instead dedicated his life to social entrepreneurship and coaching.

His organization aims to support the social activities of people with disabilities, representatives of other social groups, and, most importantly, their environment.

At first, his social initiative “White Cane” has been working on a volunteer basis only. Later, they managed to receive financial support and run a sustainable enterprise.

Since 2016, they have been developing within two main areas. The first one is training and workshops on interaction with people with disabilities. 

The second one is the “Sails of the Spirit” project, in which framework inclusive expeditions are organized. One of their future challenges is to accomplish a round-the-world trip.

Oleg and his team train and consult the local Koltsovo airport in Yekaterinburg on a permanent basis. Thanks to this, the airport staff has learned how to treat passengers with disabilities correctly and competently.

In addition, White Cane advises Russian Railways, the regional Department of Labor, the Ministry of Education, and various cultural institutions.

Oleg’s team organizes all its projects on the principle of inclusion. The goal is not only to generate income but also the self-development of project participants.

Oleg plans to create an international movement called “Extrability” in the upcoming few years.