On September 21, the latest online session of “IRC-Connect: Regional Platform for Sharing Experiences” took place, bringing together more than 200 directors and specialists from inclusive resource centers, educators, and representatives of the educational community in the Donetsk region.
During the meeting, participants discussed practical models of collaboration between inclusive resource centers, educational institutions, and other specialists involved in supporting children with special educational needs.
Among the examples presented was the collaboration between the Sloviansk Inclusive Resource Center and Donbas State Pedagogical University. Participants spoke about the interaction between practitioners and researchers, the exchange of professional experience, and opportunities for collaboration to improve the quality of support for children with special educational needs.
Representatives of the Bakhmut Inclusive Resource Center shared their experience with partnerships in a remote work environment. In particular, they discussed the use of digital tools to support professional collaboration, coordinate the work of specialists and educators, and ensure assistance for children regardless of their location.
Another practical case study was presented by the Inclusive Resource Center of the Soledar City Council. Participants learned about the “Psychological Safe Space”—a place for safety, psychological support, and interaction. The experience shared demonstrated the potential of a multidisciplinary approach by specialists to identify a child’s needs in a timely manner and coordinate further support measures.
During the discussion, participants shared their experiences and addressed current issues regarding collaboration among educational, social, psychological, medical, and other professionals.
The online session served as a platform for sharing practical best practices from Donetsk Oblast’s inclusive resource centers and for identifying effective models of collaboration amid remote work and the challenges caused by the war.
Based on materials from the Donetsk Regional Institute of Postgraduate Pedagogical Education