Accessibility
Education for children with special needs
Our school provides both individual and inclusive education.
What inclusive education is
According to UNESCO, inclusive education is “a process of addressing and responding to the diversity of learners’ needs through increasing participation in learning, cultures and communities, and reducing exclusion within and from education”.
The aim of inclusive education is a better learning environment in which teacher and students are open to diversity, students’ needs are met, and their abilities and chances of success are respected.
Inclusive education:
- It is based on human rights and the principles of equality.
- It is aimed at all children and adults, especially those excluded from mainstream education.
- It is a process of removing barriers in the education and support systems.
Foundation
The basis of inclusive education: all students…
Learn differently
Can learn by different methods and at different times.
Are individuals
Have individual abilities and characteristics.
Want to be heard
Want to feel understood and valued.
Come from different backgrounds
Have different backgrounds and want their differences respected. They learn everywhere.
Questions and answers
What parents should know
The term “children with special needs” refers to children under 18 who require additional educational, medical and social support to improve their health, development, learning, quality of life and participation in the community. There is currently no single official terminology for this in Ukraine.
Disability is regarded as a “normal” phenomenon rooted in life experience, with a systematic probability of occurring in the population of any country or region. By nature it can be permanent or temporary.
People with disabilities and their families have the same rights to social and economic participation. The social and physical environment must be adapted for the equal participation of all. Policy and practice must reflect the values of equality and a rights-based approach.
All children benefit from inclusive education. It allows them to develop their individual strengths and talents; to be accepted without exception into the school system and society; to work towards individual goals while taking part in the life of their class and community; to involve parents in learning and school life; to build a culture of respect and belonging; to learn about and respect the different abilities of others; to make friends; and to have a positive influence on the school and community.
Accepting all children into mainstream schools and school life. Providing comprehensive support to students with special needs, their peers and teachers when required. Looking at every student in terms of what they can do, not what they cannot.
Setting learning goals according to each child’s individual capacity, bearing in mind that children may have different goals yet study together in one class. Adapting schools and classrooms to focus on every child’s potential.
Supporting strong leadership from the principal and administration. Supporting the training of teachers familiar with different teaching methods. Building a team — principals, teachers, parents, students and other staff — who work together to find the most effective ways to provide quality education in an inclusive environment. Maintaining a considerate attitude towards parents, especially their dreams and goals for their children’s future.