SEN students study in a correspondingly adapted environment
Ketevan Natriashvili, First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, visited the vocational college "Mermisi," where 42 individuals with special educational needs are currently studying. The purpose of the visit was to observe the teaching process and inspect the services implemented by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia in vocational institutions in cooperation with the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.
The Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia began introducing inclusive education within the vocational education system in 2013. Currently, 203 individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (with intellectual, sensory, physical, behavioral, and emotional impairments) are mastering 32 different educational programs across 16 vocational education institutions.
The Public College "Mermisi" has been involved since 2013 in the project "Introduction of Inclusive Education in the Vocational Education and Training System of Georgia," which ensures the integration of individuals with special educational needs into society and increases their employment opportunities.
During the 2013 autumn admissions, 16 students with special educational needs were enrolled in 9 educational programs at the "Mermisi" college. Among them, 5 students were hearing-impaired. At that time, the college was equipped with only a ramp for accessibility.
Since 2014, the adaptation of the college according to universal design principles has begun. An elevator meeting modern standards was installed, and accessible restrooms were arranged. Consequently, the number of students with special educational needs increased significantly; specifically, during the 2014 autumn admissions, 42 students were enrolled in 14 vocational educational programs. Among them, 12 students are hearing-impaired, two are totally blind, and one is a wheelchair user. Notably, 10 students with special educational needs are enrolled in the cooking specialty. Future plans include further adaptation of the yard and the building in accordance with universal design principles to make the environment even more accessible for blind, deaf, and other challenged students.
To facilitate the learning process for students with special educational needs, the following specialists have been engaged: sign language interpreters; a spatial orientation and mobility specialist who helps blind students learn routes and prepares them for independent travel; as well as a special assistant-driver for wheelchair-using students. Audio recorders were purchased for blind students, and a specialist was invited to install screen-reading software on the college's computers (as well as on the students' personal laptops).
An accessible learning environment for inclusive vocational education has been created at the college, involving two inclusive education specialists and one assistant for persons with special educational needs. The social environment is friendly toward the students, and they are provided with the necessary educational resources.
Vocational education at the college is delivered by vocational teachers who have been trained in the development of inclusive education and have completed various types of training. They provide vocational education to students in accordance with their individual capabilities, interests, and needs. Students are actively involved in events planned by both the college and the Ministry of Education and Science.
Both teachers and administrative staff undergo periodic retraining and training. From November 9 to November 13, 2014, with the methodological and financial support of the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, and within the framework of the ongoing project "Introduction of Inclusive Education in the Vocational Education and Training System of Georgia" between the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research, a working visit to Oslo, Norway, was carried out, attended by the college director, the inclusive education specialist, and the assistant for persons with special educational needs.
