INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN UZBEKISTAN

Author: Tulyaganova Dildora, Coordinator of Inclusive Education for the Tashkent Region

The basic principle of the inclusive school is that all children should learn together, in all occasions whenever it is possible, in spite of any difficulties or differences that exist between them. Education of children with special needs is a shared task of parents and professionals. A positive attitude towards this on the part of the parents contributes to the integration of children at school and in society.

Parents and teachers should become equal partners in the process of educating and upbringing of a child with special educational needs. Parents should be given the right to choose the kind of education corresponding to his child. And, in this, the Resource Center for Inclusive Education provides a huge deal of support to parents. Parents, who contact the Resource Center, receive all necessary information and advice to determine the child’s further educational path.

In the summer of 2015, a woman, the 7-year old Artem’s mother, called the Resource Center. He had problems with speech skills and movements of a hand and a foot. But he is very diligent, hardworking, loves to draw, inquisitive and eager to study at school. His mom was worried whether her child would be able to study at a regular school, and if he is going to have complications because of his special characteristics.

After receiving the recommendation for the child’s education at a regular school, the mother had a hope that her son would study with regular children at a regular school. But fear still remained. And finally, Artem went to the first grade of the inclusive school. It is a regular school. But at the same time, teachers are ready for acceptance and education of children with special needs, too.

Every day Artem happily goes to school. Since he cannot move his right hand, he writes with his left hand. First, writing was a difficult task for him, and he got tired easily. Gradually, with the help of the teacher and his mother, he learned to write letters and numbers. He especially likes to attend music lessons and physical training. In physical training classes, Artem tries not to let his team down, he does not like when he is treated with indulgence.

Artem is a positive and charming boy, his classmates always surround him, he has many friends. One day, after visiting his son at a class, his mother was pleased to note that he is better on math and reading than some of his classmates. Despite the difficulties, Artem is not discouraged. He successfully studies with his peers.