Future of inclusive education: effective measures to support IRC network in 2026 discussed in Kyiv

On 3 February 2026, a Forum on Supporting the Network of Inclusive Resource Centres (IRCs) was held in Kyiv.

The event was organised by the Swiss-Ukrainian DECIDE Project in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities.

The Forum brought together DECIDE project experts, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, academics, heads of inclusive education support resource centres and directors of IRCs from all over Ukraine. Representatives of the Mykola Yarmachenko Institute of Special Education and Psychology of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine also joined the discussion to ensure that future decisions have a solid scientific basis.

The Forum aimed to ensure that every child with special educational needs has the right to a quality, accessible education, by providing systematic support for the IRC network and fostering effective cooperation at all levels.

In her opening remarks, Anastasiia Konovalova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, presented the vision for systemic support of inclusive resource centres.

‘It is important for the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine to receive honest feedback, both positive reviews and constructive criticism and suggestions. This helps us to jointly develop effective state policy to support children with special educational needs, in particular the development of inclusive resource centres, which play a key role in ensuring quality education. Our task is to establish a constant open dialogue and create all possible conditions so that every child receives high-quality and accessible services,’ said Anastasiia Konovalova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.

‘DECIDE Project works daily with communities to develop education management, in particular ensuring children's access to inclusive education. In wartime, the number of children with special educational needs is increasing, so we support the development of inclusive resource centres, help communities conclude inter-municipal agreements and create sustainable models of cooperation. Our professional development programmes have already reached more than 10,000 specialists working with children with special educational needs (SEN). Along with expert and methodological support, we are involved in practical changes on the ground, in particular, the restoration of the Borodianskyi IRC. We recently summarised the first outcomes of the grant programme for the development of IRCs in partner communities and launched a new direction – career guidance for children with SEN. We are happy to support the Ministry of Education and Science and work together with the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities to ensure that communities are active participants in shaping state policy in inclusive education. Fieldwork and ongoing dialogue with community experts give us a real understanding of the challenges – and help us develop policies that meet the needs of children and their families,’ said Valentyna Poltorak, DECIDE Project Manager.

Tetiana Arseniuk, Deputy Executive Director of the Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, emphasised that the Forum's agenda is very important for the Association. The capacity of communities is closely linked to inclusiveness, so developing and strengthening the IRC network is a priority for many communities. The Association, together with DECIDE, is ready to advise and support communities so that children with special educational needs receive quality services.

The main part of the Forum was held in the format of facilitated sessions with the participation of representatives of regional Inclusive Education Support Centres, directors of Inclusive Resource Centres and DECIDE Project experts. The participants focused on ‘rebooting’ the role of regional centres and finding an effective model of interaction between all levels of the system.

Among the key issues discussed:

• the creation of a Central IRC as a key instrument of strategic support;

• updating the role of regional centres to make them more effective for communities;

• the distribution of functions between the state and regional levels;

• methodological and psychological support for IRC experts;

• the chain ‘Central Inclusive Resource Centre – Resource Centre for Inclusive Education Support – Inclusive Resource Centre’ as a resource support rather than a control mechanism.

Summing up the meeting, the participants outlined a roadmap for cooperation between the central government, regional authorities and local communities. This approach should ensure the smooth functioning of the child-centred system.

The Forum confirmed the joint commitment of the Government and communities to develop barrier-free education – a system in which every child receives quality guidance, support, and opportunities for development.

Together, we are building barrier-free education!

The DECIDE project is implemented by NGO DOCCU and PHZH International Projects in Education with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine.

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