Forming a culture of accessibility and equal opportunities has become one of the key priorities of the educational space, within which the National AccessAbility Week has started at the Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs.
One of the first stages in the program of events was an interactive action «Inclusive Coffee» participated by representatives of Ukrainian Society of the Deaf, who held a mini-master class in sign language and introduced the participants to the features of communication with people having hearing impairments. Those present mastered basic gestures for everyday communication, after which they consolidated their skills in an interactive «coffee shop», where drinks were ordered exclusively in sign language.
During the rectorate meeting for heads of the University’s structural units, Advisor on Ethical and Barrier-Free Communication with People with Disabilities was presented by Kateryna Voievoda, Rector Assistant for Gender Issues. She emphasized that formation of a barrier-free educational environment is an important component of training specialists in the security and defense sector, and implementation of the principles of ethical communication should become an integral part of the daily activities of the University staff and higher education seekers.
The guide, recommended by the University’s Academic Council, defines standards of ethical, professional, and non-discriminatory communication in educational, service, and professional activities. It contains practical recommendations for interacting with people with various disabilities, algorithms for providing assistance, as well as the principles of a human-centered language, information accessibility, and non-discrimination.
