Inclusive Education: New Opportunities for Everyone
The modern world is actively working towards creating an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of their physical or mental characteristics, can fulfill their potential. A critical component of this process is accessibility in education.
For individuals with special educational needs, this is not just an important aspect but a fundamental condition for receiving quality and accessible education. Accessibility in education means creating conditions where people with disabilities or other characteristics do not face barriers in accessing knowledge.
As part of the implementation of the City Target Program “Equality” for 2023-2025, which will be renamed to “Barrier-Free Odessa”, and the Action Plan for 2023-2024 to implement the National Strategy for creating a barrier-free space in Ukraine until 2030, work is ongoing to:
- install ramps;
- renovate bathrooms in educational institutions in Odessa to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities;
- provide Wi-Fi access in preschool and general secondary education institutions;
- ensure high-speed internet and computer equipment (which is provided for use to organize distance learning for students from vulnerable categories and teachers);
- train medical and educational staff in educational institutions to provide first aid to students with special educational needs (including those with epilepsy, etc.);
- organize educational events for teachers and parents of students to foster a positive microclimate in preschool and general secondary education institutions where children with special educational needs study.
More detailed information about the methodological recommendations on ensuring the accessibility of buildings, premises, and other infrastructure of educational institutions for low-mobility groups can be found at this link.
