TRAINING OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL SPACE OF A HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION: REALITIES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

This article is devoted to the study of the training of students with disabilities within the inclusive educational environment of higher education institutions in Ukraine, with a focus on analyzing the operation of the Center for Support of Students with Disabilities (CSSD) at Poltava V.G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University. The relevance of the topic is due to the key role of inclusive education as an integral part of state social policy and the need to create a barrier-free environment in higher education for the full self-realization and successful socialization of students. The study used a set of theoretical (analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization of scientific views, and the legal framework) and empirical methods (surveys of participants in the educational process, internal monitoring of CSSD activities, analysis of its documentation, expert evaluation of the architectural accessibility of the university campus, interviews, and consultations). These methods were aimed at determining the quality of training for students with disabilities in the inclusive educational environment of a higher education institution.The research results identified the main problem in creating an inclusive educational environment in higher education institutions in Ukraine as an insufficient public awareness of the essence of "inclusion" and "inclusive culture," which hinders its acceptance.At the same time, the study confirms the positive impact of an inclusive educational environment, based on interaction and communication, on the formation of high moral values and an inclusive culture. The functioning of the CSSD demonstrates a systematic approach to ensuring equal opportunities through needs assessment, counseling, creating a barrier-free environment, developing inclusive practices, implementing innovative technologies, and carrying out educational work.The conclusions emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive measures to increase the inclusive culture of society and improve infrastructural and methodological aspects. The prospects for the further development of the CSSD define strategic directions for the full integration of students with disabilities. Further research may focus on long-term monitoring of the effectiveness of initiatives and the development of models for assessing the impact of inclusive practices on the academic performance and social adaptation of students with special educational needs.