DISCRIMINATION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IN AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL SETTING AND STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS IT

Abstract

The article updates the problem of discrimination of persons with disabilities and special educational needs in an educational institution with inclusive education. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate the substantive essence of such concepts as «discrimination», and «ableism» to persons with disabilities from the standpoint of a normative approach, generalize and systematize the theoretical and practical aspects of creating a non-discriminatory educational environment for this category of children in an educational institution with inclusive education. In the process of developing the problem raised in the article from the standpoint of a normative approach, such basic concepts as «person with a disability», «children with special educational needs», «child (person) with special (disorders) of psychophysical development», «discrimination», «discrimination based on disability», «ableism», «safe educational environment». Their content essence, subordination, and interrelationship are clarified. It was established that according to the legislation of Ukraine, the concept of «discrimination» is broad, as it refers to persons with a certain characteristic or attribute, which include age, gender, marital status, skin color, sexual orientation, political beliefs or actions, disability, etc. The concept of «discrimination on the grounds of disability» applies only to the specified category of persons. The definition of «ableism» is used to persons with physical or mental developmental characteristics, disabilities, or other diseases, but is not used in official regulatory and legal documents. The current term used by lawmakers in Ukraine is «discrimination». Stereotypes and prejudices against persons with disabilities, manifestations, and forms of discrimination against this category of persons are defined. It has been established that inclusive education is one of the means of combating discrimination/ableism. Obstacles (barriers) on the way to realizing the right of persons with disabilities/PWDs to obtain education in educational institutions with inclusive education are indicated. The strategy (identification of prejudices in the educational institution and appropriate response to the fact(s) of discrimination), ways and measures of creating a safe, non-discriminatory educational environment, special conditions for the education of children with disabilities/ PWD in an educational institution with inclusive education are disclosed.