ACCESSIBLE SPORTS AS A COMPONENT OF A BARRIER-FREE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT (USING THE EXAMPLE OF CANADIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS)

Abstract

Today, for Ukrainian higher education, it is relevant not only to ensure the quality of education, but also to design an accessible and barrier-free educational environment. Studies show that physical activity has a positive effect on the psychological state of students, which is important for obtaining education. The article presents the results of studying foreign experience in ensuring the accessibility of sports for students with special educational needs as a component of a barrier-free educational environment of a higher education institution. The main conditions for the accessibility of sports for students with special educational needs are summarized: the creation of a barrier-free infrastructure (regulatory framework, access to sports facilities, special equipment, training of specialists, adaptation solutions), the involvement of students with special educational needs in sports sections and events (special programs, planning of various events, cooperation with public organizations, psychological support), marketing (representation on the website, in information materials of the educational institution; feedback).The implementation of an inclusive policy in an institution first of all begins with the creation of an internal culture of diversity, the next step is the arrangement of the educational space, the arrangement of dormitories, sports facilities, logistics routes, etc. is also important. In the context of modern challenges in the Ukrainian education system, the creation of a barrier-free educational space is important and promising.