On 3 December 2009, PEN-International Director Dr. James J. DeCaro spoke at Bauman Moscow State Technical University on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of higher education for people with special needs in Russia. In his speech, titled, "Challenges Faced in the Field of Postsecondary Education in Russia: Some Modest Thoughts," he discussed how all those who work with and for people who are "differently abled" need to continuously challenge their sensibilities by asking themselves questions related to teaching and communicating with such students. Approximately 75 Federal and Regional Legislative Assemblies' deputy members, governmental officials, representatives of the Russian President's Administration, executives of public organizations of the disabled, and Russian and foreign charity foundations, as well as guests from Russian and foreign universities who are actively involved in the vocational education for people with disabilities, attended.