This article provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and current status of inclusive higher education for students with special educational needs and disabilities in post-Soviet Georgia. The Bologna Process in Georgia has strengthened the democratization of higher education and expanded its accessibility. Accordingly, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the higher education process is a completely new approach in our country. The study aimed to identify the evolution and current situation of persons with disabilities in higher educational institutions in post-Soviet Georgia. The article was written based on the results of the research conducted within the framework of the project. The research was carried out in 19 Georgian universities, using as a main method of data collection a validated survey with the participation of university professors and administrative staff. During the research process, a mass survey (professors and representatives of the higher education administration) and focus groups were conducted among specialists and experts of Georgian higher education institutions, as well as persons with disabilities, which clearly showed us the need to improve the current situation in higher education institutions. The study revealed existing barriers, which were manifested in outdated methodological approaches and a lack of awareness and effective mechanisms for disseminating information, as well as the need for policy changes at all levels to create a truly inclusive environment. In Georgia, contemporary researchers, theorists and scientists are actively trying to transfer the inclusive education model from Western countries, but this attempt is still fragmentary.

Authors:
Gvantsa Tchanturia, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgia
Lia Kalinnikova-Magnusson, Uppsala University, Sweden
Khatia Khatiashvili, Tbilisi State University Ivane Javakhishvili, Georgia
Kakhaber Kordzaia, Caucasus International University, Georgia

About the Presenter(s)
Gvantsa Chanturia is a Doctor of Philology, a lecturer of the French Language and a doctoral candiadate at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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