The state should turn toward children with special needs, providing them with conditions for education and further implementation of the acquired knowledge.
This was stated by the MP from UKROP Iryna Konstankevych, who commented on the adoption of the law on providing access to educational services to the persons with special needs.
“Having voted for this humane law, we give the opportunity to the children with special needs to be in society, and even with certain limitations, to be educated and use the acquired knowledge in life. We should not pretend that these children do not exist,” said Iryna Konstankevych.
The MP has noted that since independence Ukraine has rolled back in support for disabled children. Instead, they need twice much attention compared to healthy babies. “It is our humane duty as a society. We should stop creating pseudo conditions – ramps, which cannot be used by persons in wheelchairs, imitating books for the blind – and finally turn to the special children and their parents. This is necessary not only to them but also to those who surround them. Undoubtedly, it is necessary to take into account particularities of their diseases, but the state should provide social elevators for such children,” added the MP.
Iryna Konstankevych has also informed that, according to the authors of the bill, additional 2 billion hryvnias are provided for its implementation during the new academic school year, and the funds will be directed at creating conditions, textbooks, paying teachers and staff who will assist disabled children in learning process. In addition, the MP has paid attention to the fact that it is important to preserve the system of boarding schools for special children – if they actually work. This will allow parents to choose which form of education is more convenient for their child.
It is to be recalled, the law № 6437 was supported by 297 deputies. The document establishes the right to education of persons with special needs and enables them to acquire knowledge in all educational institutions, including free state and communal educational establishments, regardless of “disability”. The law also establishes and regulates distance and individual learning, and defines the term “person with special needs”, “inclusive education”.
