Non-commercial Partnership as an Efficient Instrument of Inclusion of Physically Challenged People into the Educational Environment of a University (Analysis Conducted in Ryazan, Russian Federation)

AbstractThe article addresses problematic issues of accessible high-quality higher education. Research reveals incongruity between legal guarantees and implementation of inclusive practices in Russia. The work describes use of low-cost and easily applied technologies (including mediaeducation) that facilitate involvement of physically challenged people in university studies, develop empathy towards such students, stimulate their socialization; provide students with practice-oriented education, and improve lecturers’ competence in dealing with disabled students, through training and professional development system. The analysis discusses a 9-year-long research of inclusion of physically challenged people into tertiary academic environment, promoted by social partnership of educational institutions, businesses and NCOs, which jointly formed a platform to reduce maladjustment cases for students with disabilities; this is a key factor in development of inclusive education in Ryazan Region, Russian Federation. The investigated approach allows developing a comprehensive solution to inclusion problems