HIGHER EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AT THE UNIVERSITY: GENERALIZATION OF EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The article reveals the experience of the Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University in the context of organizing the educational process with applicants for higher education with special needs. Attention is focused on educational-rehabilitation and social-educational support of applicants for higher education with special needs. It is noted that the provision of education and social development of applicants of this category is based on the principle of “equal rights at equal opportunities”, and the level of education is an indicator of the priority of universal values and the achieved level of inclusive development.
 The priority directions of the university activity in the context of introduction of inclusive education are characterized: creation of an inclusive educational space; removal of mental barriers on the way to higher education; training all participants in the best ways to maintain diversity; development of communication culture in the team (оrganizational culture); formation of a perspective of the team and social partners on the nature and feasibility of inclusive development of higher education; formation of inclusive competence of teachers; development of inclusive competence of applicants; acquisition of information about the main difficulties in learning and life of applicants for higher education with special needs; conducting classes that are clear to all (educational policy); overcoming the social and psychological barriers to access to inclusive education for young people with special needs; formation of mutual assistance skills in the student body; formation of skills of applicants’ inclusion in the micro-society of HEI; formation of skills of inclusion of students in the sphere of public life (іnclusive practice).
 The work of the Research Laboratory of Inclusive Pedagogy (Faculty of Preschool and Special Education) and the Center for Social and Educational Integration and Inclusive Rehabilitation and Social Tourism “Without Barriers” (Faculty of Social and Psychological Education) іs analyzed.
 Significant achievements in the field of student research are presented.
 The results of the First International Scientific and Practical Symposium on “Actual Problems of Implementing Inclusive Rehabilitation and Social Tourism in Ukraine” which was held in Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University were presented, one of which is a plan for the implementation of Inclusive Rehabilitation and Social Tourism in Ukraine as a social and rehabilitation service and its testing in Cherkasy region as a pilot region in the framework of the National Action Plan for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
 The implementation of the program of the Center “Discovering the world together” is presented, the main purpose of which is the cultural and emotional development of young person, his formation on the path to self-improvement as well as the Student Bureau of Inclusive Tourism, one of the main purpose of this type of activity is to create routes for inclusive tourism in Cherkasy region.
 The prospects of the university's activity with students with special needs are defined.