— Let me start with a little information about our school. This is a specialized educational institution for children with visual impairments, where currently 220 students are enrolled, of which 113 are blind, studying under the Braille program, and 107 are visually impaired, using enlarged text.
The educational process here is based on a general educational curriculum; however, the uniqueness of the school lies in the individual approach to each student, taking into account their characteristics and diagnosis. In classes for visually impaired students, the number of students is 12-14, while for blind students, it is 8-10, which allows for quality education and attention to each child.
We also use special methodological materials and adapted aids created for each specific student. For visually impaired students, text magnifiers are used, and in computer science classes, the children work on computers with programs for the blind and visually impaired, which provides access to modern technologies and helps develop necessary skills.
— Our main goal is the social adaptation of children with disabilities in the educational process and upbringing.
The key tasks of our school are:
* To ensure the diverse development of each student's abilities and the formation of an independent personality capable of determining their individual trajectory in society.
* To identify, summarize, and share positive pedagogical experiences among teachers and educators.
* To transition from accumulating professional knowledge to developing competencies and an active position of educators in their activities.
* To create a psychologically comfortable environment necessary for productive interaction between students and teachers.
* To promote constructive interaction between families and the school in the process of upbringing and socialization of children with disabilities.
— What methods and technologies do you use in your practice?
— Our school employs a wide range of methods and technologies aimed at achieving accessible and effective education for children with visual impairments.
The main ones include:
* Teaching using the Braille system for blind students.
* The use of enlarged print for visually impaired children.
* Special methodological materials and adapted aids developed considering each student's perception characteristics.
* Technical means: text magnifiers for visually impaired students and computers with specialized software for the blind and visually impaired.
* Modern digital resources, such as audiobooks, electronic textbooks, and educational platforms that facilitate the integration of children into the information society.
This approach allows for a combination of traditional teaching methods with innovative technologies, providing equal opportunities for all students.
— Teachers encounter difficulties related to the lack of adapted educational materials and the need for their regular updating. They need to develop tactile aids and individualized assignments, which require significant time and creativity. There is also the challenge of combining an individual approach with the requirements of the general education program.
— How does digitalization affect the accessibility of education for your students?
— The digitalization of education significantly expands opportunities for our students. Electronic textbooks, audiobooks, and screen-access programs make learning more accessible and convenient. In computer science classes, children work on computers with software for the blind and visually impaired, allowing them to acquire digital skills.
Moreover, the school has 22 classrooms, 10 of which are equipped with interactive boards, making learning more visual. This is especially important for visually impaired children, as they better perceive information through enlarged images and visual accents.
— What message would you like to convey to society about people with visual impairments?
— It is important to understand that people with visual impairments possess the same talents and potential as others. They are capable of successfully studying, working, and achieving success in various fields. They need equal conditions, support, and respect to unlock their potential and integrate into society.
— How do you see the prospects for specialized schools and inclusive education as a whole?
— I believe that the future lies in inclusion, but it is also important to maintain specialized schools where children with visual impairments feel most comfortable and confident. Our students note that in the company of similar children, it is easier for them to learn and develop.
Some visually impaired children try to study in regular schools, but often return to us because they find understanding and support here that meets their needs.
Therefore, specialized schools should remain the foundation of the educational system, providing quality education and creating an atmosphere of trust and comfort. In the future, such institutions will play an important role in forming an inclusive society, combining traditions and innovations to fully unlock the potential of every child.
