How inclusive education is implemented in Ukraine
Back in the fall of 2018, a law came into force in Ukraine that regulates some issues of access of children with special needs to education in kindergarten, school, out-of-school institutions and vocational or technical education institutions. We tell you how the system of inclusive education works in our country and what you need to know about it.
How things are now with inclusive education in Ukraine
Previously, Ukrainian legislation did not have comprehensive rules on inclusive education, although the allocation of budget money for the development of this structure began in 2017. Instead, after the adoption of the above-mentioned document, the local authorities had to ensure convenient and unhindered access to educational institutions for all groups of the population.
Yes, according to the Ministry of Education and Science of UkraineAt the beginning of 2019, the number of schools with inclusion in Ukraine increased 2.5 times and amounted to 3,788. More than 11,000 children with special needs study there, which is three times more than before. In kindergartens in Ukraine, the number of inclusive groups increased from 732 in 2016 to 1,318 in early 2019, and these groups now educate 2,190 children with special needs.
According to statistics, about 74% (11,560) of all schools in Ukraine are provided with barrier-free space, however, only up to the first floor, ie there is a ramp, lift or call button at the entrance to the building. Of these, 69% are provided with ramps (10,781 schools), 23% with call buttons (3,664 schools), and 18% with information signs (2,864 schools). Less than 5% of schools have specially equipped toilets for children with disabilities (746).
But as for barrier-free access to the second floor and above - this is still a problem in Ukraine, and only a few educational institutions can boast of such inclusiveness.
Also, now more than 300 schools and kindergartens are actively implementing the principles of the New Educational Space program, which is based on four main principles:
- energy efficiency;
- modern equipment;
- motivating space;
- accessibility and inclusion.
The main goal of this project is to create comfortable conditions for children with special needs and provide them with quality education.
In addition, in 2017-2018, more than 10,000 inclusive classroom teachers and 7,633 assistant teachers and children with special needs were trained.
What is changing in kindergartens, schools and colleges
In 2019, for the first time, a subvention was allocated for preschoolers with special needs. To this end, the state has sent 37.5 million hryvnias to help children socialize and provide them with maximum opportunities for development.
According to the Ministry of Education, in the 2018/2019 school year, 2,359 children with special educational needs in Ukraine received preschool education in inclusive groups.
Now let’s talk in more detail about how children with special needs get an education in Ukraine and how the state should facilitate this process and make it as comfortable as possible.
We have already talked about ramps, lifts and barrier-free access. But inclusive education is not the only thing. Thus, according to the law, at the request of parents, inclusive groups must be created in kindergartens, schools and even out-of-school institutions. Such a group should include no more than three children with special needs, and children with intellectual disabilities and / or sensory or physical disabilities are entitled to priority enrollment in educational institutions.
Also, parents can write an application to allow the child’s assistant to help her. It should be noted that the educational program itself is developed on the basis of basic school education and is adjusted depending on the needs of children and their abilities.
The new law also says that children with special needs can use sign language and Braille. Correctional and developmental classes for children with special needs in inclusive classes last 35-40 minutes for the group and 20-25 minutes - individually, and correctional and developmental services are activities aimed at correcting disorders through the development of personality, cognitive activity, emotional and volitional spheres and languages.
In schools, individual development programs are now being developed for each student with special needs, which involve the child’s parents and a group of professionals. And teachers are paid a surcharge of 20% of the tariff rate for work in inclusive classes and groups.
We should not forget that education for children with special needs in educational institutions should be free, and all costs are borne by local budgets. It should be noted that if people with special needs need to be transported to an educational institution and vice versa, the state should provide this by providing transport for people with visual, hearing, musculoskeletal and other mobility impaired groups.
Currently, Ukraine is actively developing an inclusive education system that will allow children from even the smallest cities to attend schools, kindergartens and schools without hindrance.
Author Anastasia Ishchenko
Photo sources: MES and Pixabay
Other materials of the author: Treatment for budget money: who will be helped by the state and what medicines will be provided
SUPPORT PROJECTS AND SUPPORT FUNDS The Fund
How things are now with inclusive education in Ukraine
Previously, Ukrainian legislation did not have comprehensive rules on inclusive education, although the allocation of budget money for the development of this structure began in 2017. Instead, after the adoption of the above-mentioned document, the local authorities had to ensure convenient and unhindered access to educational institutions for all groups of the population.
Yes, according to the Ministry of Education and Science of UkraineAt the beginning of 2019, the number of schools with inclusion in Ukraine increased 2.5 times and amounted to 3,788. More than 11,000 children with special needs study there, which is three times more than before. In kindergartens in Ukraine, the number of inclusive groups increased from 732 in 2016 to 1,318 in early 2019, and these groups now educate 2,190 children with special needs.
According to statistics, about 74% (11,560) of all schools in Ukraine are provided with barrier-free space, however, only up to the first floor, ie there is a ramp, lift or call button at the entrance to the building. Of these, 69% are provided with ramps (10,781 schools), 23% with call buttons (3,664 schools), and 18% with information signs (2,864 schools). Less than 5% of schools have specially equipped toilets for children with disabilities (746). But as for barrier-free access to the second floor and above - this is still a problem in Ukraine, and only a few educational institutions can boast of such inclusiveness.
Also, now more than 300 schools and kindergartens are actively implementing the principles of the New Educational Space program, which is based on four main principles:
- energy efficiency;
- modern equipment;
- motivating space;
- accessibility and inclusion.
The main goal of this project is to create comfortable conditions for children with special needs and provide them with quality education.
In addition, in 2017-2018, more than 10,000 inclusive classroom teachers and 7,633 assistant teachers and children with special needs were trained.
What is changing in kindergartens, schools and colleges
In 2019, for the first time, a subvention was allocated for preschoolers with special needs. To this end, the state has sent 37.5 million hryvnias to help children socialize and provide them with maximum opportunities for development.
According to the Ministry of Education, in the 2018/2019 school year, 2,359 children with special educational needs in Ukraine received preschool education in inclusive groups.
Now let’s talk in more detail about how children with special needs get an education in Ukraine and how the state should facilitate this process and make it as comfortable as possible.
We have already talked about ramps, lifts and barrier-free access. But inclusive education is not the only thing. Thus, according to the law, at the request of parents, inclusive groups must be created in kindergartens, schools and even out-of-school institutions. Such a group should include no more than three children with special needs, and children with intellectual disabilities and / or sensory or physical disabilities are entitled to priority enrollment in educational institutions. Also, parents can write an application to allow the child’s assistant to help her. It should be noted that the educational program itself is developed on the basis of basic school education and is adjusted depending on the needs of children and their abilities.
The new law also says that children with special needs can use sign language and Braille. Correctional and developmental classes for children with special needs in inclusive classes last 35-40 minutes for the group and 20-25 minutes - individually, and correctional and developmental services are activities aimed at correcting disorders through the development of personality, cognitive activity, emotional and volitional spheres and languages.
In schools, individual development programs are now being developed for each student with special needs, which involve the child’s parents and a group of professionals. And teachers are paid a surcharge of 20% of the tariff rate for work in inclusive classes and groups.
We should not forget that education for children with special needs in educational institutions should be free, and all costs are borne by local budgets. It should be noted that if people with special needs need to be transported to an educational institution and vice versa, the state should provide this by providing transport for people with visual, hearing, musculoskeletal and other mobility impaired groups.
Currently, Ukraine is actively developing an inclusive education system that will allow children from even the smallest cities to attend schools, kindergartens and schools without hindrance.
Author Anastasia Ishchenko
Photo sources: MES and Pixabay
Other materials of the author: Treatment for budget money: who will be helped by the state and what medicines will be provided
SUPPORT PROJECTS AND SUPPORT FUNDS The Fund