Inclusion and education

 
it
 
(for example, the 
right to reasonable accommodation and necessary support 
measures), which require equitable allocation of resources, 
experience and expertise to increase all schools’ capacity 
to respond to learner diversity.
BOX 2.1:
The CRPD has prompted Ukraine to move to a rights-
based approach to inclusion
Since Ukraine ratified the CRPD in 2009, it has made many 
changes to move on from a long tradition of special pedagogy 
and special schools, which was based on the medical model of 
disability. The move towards a rights-based approach affects all 
system levels: legislation, policy, and structures and processes, 
such as teacher education. It involves a focus on children’s 
strengths and interests rather than their disabilities.
Former psychological-medical-pedagogical centres have been 
transformed into Inclusive Resource Centres (IRCs) that assess 
and support inclusive schools and preschools methodologically, 
advise parents and promote inclusion in local communities. To 
date, 545 IRCs have been established.
In 2018, regional In-service Teacher Training Institutes set up 
resource centres to support IRCs. Ukraine made a further step 
towards understanding disability based on the biopsychosocial 
model, which is the core of the International Classification of 
Functioning, Disability and Health.
Recognizing the need to support human resources and ensure 
understanding of the new concept, the Ministry of Education 
and Science organized training for representatives of regional 
resource centres with support from UNICEF and the International 
Renaissance Foundation. A manual for IRCs was also developed 
and published with UNICEF support. In November 2019, the 
ministry developed a framework training programme for IRC 
specialists, which is offered by the regional In-service Teacher 
Training Institutes.
In total, 29 of the 30 education systems 
reviewed include rights of people
with disabilities in their constitution
and/or in laws on education,
non-discrimination, social protection
and social inclusion
1
References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999)
.
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GLOBAL EDUCATION MONITORING REPORT 2021

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The relationship between inclusive and 
special education is still widely debated in 
the region