“ONE STEP CLOSER TO INCLUSIVE EDUCATION”
Arpi is six years old and has a hearing impairment. She is one of the 15 children with hearing impairments included in the “Special School-Resource Center” pilot program.
“Strengthening the Educational System Through the Expansion of the Works of the Implementation of Psychological Support Services in Educational Establishments and the Reorganization of the Special School-Resource Center for Children with Hearing Impairments” program is being implemented in cooperation with the RA MoESCS, UNICEF and the Republican Pedagogical-Psychological Center, and is aimed at promoting the full integration of children with special educational needs in general education schools.
“In 2025, the Special School for students with hearing impairments will be reorganized into a Special School-Resource Center. The aim of the activities of the Special School-Resource Center is to ensure the education of each student enrolled in the Center, taking into account general education subject standards and programs, the characteristics of the student’s age, physiological and socio-psychological development, interests, abilities, as well as support for the education of students enrolled in educational institutions implementing basic and supplementary general education programs,” noted Lilit Mnatsakanyan, Director of the Republican Pedagogical Psychological Center.
As a result of the amendments and additions made to the Law “On General Education” in 2022, the legislative framework was created that will ensure the process of transforming special schools into resource centers, including activities carried out in the pedagogical-psychological direction, including courses for TPPSCs employees, teachers and parents, training sessions, consultations, sign language training, as well as the creation and provision of reasonable adaptations, accessible information platforms, and a material and technical base for educational institutions.
Due to the Resource Centers, it will be possible to develop effective strategies for working with children so that, regardless of differences, all children receive an education appropriate to their abilities, allowing them to reach their full potential.
The Program is being implemented with funding from the UNICEF Swiss National Committee.
Source: UNICEF Official Webpage
28.12.2024
