(2025) Science and education, 2, 87-92. Odessa.

Lyudmila Nikolenko,
Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences,
Associate Professor at the Department of Pedagogy, Preschool and Special Education,
Oles Honchar Dnipro National University,
72, Nauky Ave., Dnipro, Ukraine,
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8708-3117

THE ROLE OF A SPECIAL STRUCTURAL UNIT IN THE FORMATION OF AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL SPACE IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

The article addresses the issue of creating an inclusive educational space in higher education institutions (HEIs). Given the requirements for improving the quality of training for future specialists, the issue of systematic organisation of support and assistance for persons with special educational needs in higher education institutions is becoming a priority for scientific and applied interest.The purpose of the article is to determine the role of a special structural unit in the system of forming an inclusive educational space in HEIs.The study uses a set of methods characteristic of the humanities and social sciences: comparative analysis, systematisation, generalisation and forecasting.Analysis of sources made it possible to structure information about the functions of inclusive support centres in different countries, as well as to identify common support clusters: inclusive policy, community involvement, staff training and resource provision.The results of the study show that the special unit plays a consolidating role, combining the efforts of higher education institutions and external stakeholders in providing individual and group forms of support to applicants with SEN. Its main tasks are: information and advisory activities; organisation of training and professional development for teachers and volunteers; development and monitoring of individual training plans; assessment of the needs of applicants and HEI resources; coordination of technical, social and legal support; participation in the development of policies and methodological materials.Thus, the article proves that the effectiveness of an inclusive educational space in higher education institutions largely depends on the clear functioning of a special unit for supporting persons with SEN. Its activities must be standardised, technologically supported and integrated into the management system of the higher education institution in order to achieve equal educational opportunities and improve the quality of professional training for applicants with SEN.

inclusion, inclusive education, higher education students with special educational needs, inclusive learning, inclusive educational space, support for people with special educational needs

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