Valery Falkov (Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation) held a meeting of the Council on Improving the Accessibility of Higher Education for the Disabled, bringing together over 150 persons representing various organizations – from the President’s Administration to NGO’s for advocating the rights of people with disabilities and universities.

The experts focused on activities carried out by training & methodological centers, where Natalia Borozinets (Director, Training & Methodological Resource Center, NCFU) was the major speaker.

The centers in question are responsible for promoting inclusive education and assisting people with disabilities through their studies in universities – from the moment of submitting applications to finding an employment. Besides, a lot of work is aimed not at the students alone yet also at their families, potential employers and authorities. The result of such efforts is obvious as the number of people with disabilities in Russia is growing. Nowadays, Russia can boast of 21 resources centers offering support to students in 590 academic institutions.

The experts approved of the respective activities carried out so far and outlined further areas for progress until 2030. Subject to a decision by the Council, the Training & Methodological Resource Center of NCFU was appointed one of the five operators functioning within the federal network.

The Training & Methodological Resource Center of NCFU was established in 2017, and currently the network of such centers around the North Caucasus includes 31 universities offering training to over 3000 students with disabilities.