INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

The article deals with the issue of creating an inclusive educational environment in higher education institutions. The authors pay special attention to such concepts as follows: special educational needs of applicants for education, inclusive education and its main principles, inclusive approach, inclusive educational environment. In particular, the authors note that in Ukraine, the inclusive education has been widely implemented, generally, in pre-school and general secondary education institutions. However, the implementation of inclusive education and the organization of an inclusive educational environment in higher education institutions are equally important. Since education in Ukraine is guaranteed by the state, it should be available to every citizen in all forms and types of educational services, including for applicants with special educational needs and their being effectively involved in the educational process. The authors put a special emphasis on creating an educational environment in general and an inclusive one in particular, which should be implemented on the basis of the principle of a person-oriented approach. In the educational environment, this approach is aimed at the development of the personality, where their individual characteristics, interests, abilities and educational needs are taken into account as much as possible. It was determined that the inclusive educational environment in institutions of higher education provided for the organization of universal physical, educational and social spaces that will contribute to the formation of professional competencies of all applicants for higher education, including the applicants with special educational needs, as well as the needs necessary for life, development of abilities and gifts. The implementation and development of inclusion in the institutions of higher education will contribute to the expansion of access to higher education, ensuring respect for human rights, harmonious development of students, their full and effective involvement and inclusion in society. According to the authors' opinion, a promising direction for the creation of an inclusive educational environment is active interaction and cooperation with inclusive resource centers. The purpose of this cooperation is to receive advisory assistance, improve the qualifications of scientific and pedagogical staff of higher education institutions, and create methodical support for the organization of a high-quality educational space for applicants for higher education with special educational needs.

Key words: applicants for higher education; special educational needs; inclusion; inclusive education; inclusive educational environment.