Renovation works based on universal design principles are underway at the "Mermisi" college
Ketevan Natriashvili, First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, inspected the ongoing renovation works at the Public College "Mermisi". The process of adapting the infrastructure for students with special educational needs is underway at the college, which involves arranging the existing physical environment based on the principle of accessibility for all. Specifically, the establishment of the following concrete components is planned: a ramp, an accessible restroom, tactile paving, handrails, marking of stairs and handrails, contrasting separation of zones, handles, doors, and others.
Since 2013, the Public College "Mermisi" has been involved in the project of the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia "Introduction of Inclusive Education in the Vocational Education and Training System of Georgia", which is implemented with the financial and methodological support of the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research. The purpose of the project is to implement the integration/adaptation of persons with special educational needs into society, which will increase their employment opportunities.
An accessible learning environment for inclusive vocational education has been created at the college, involving two inclusive education specialists, one assistant for persons with special educational needs, and three sign language interpreters. If necessary, a spatial orientation and mobility specialist can also be involved in the process, who ensures teaching the route and preparing blind students for independent movement in the city, as well as a special assistant-driver for wheelchair-using students. The social environment is friendly to the students, and they are provided with the necessary learning resources. At this stage, the universal design of the entire building is being implemented.
Since 2013, the number of students with special educational needs at the Public College "Mermisi" has been increasing gradually. In the 2015 autumn admission cycle, 33 students with special educational needs were enrolled in 14 vocational programs at the College "Mermisi".
