The State Duma approved in the first reading the draft on the conditions of education for people with disabilities

The State Duma adopted in the first reading bill on the creation of special conditions for people with disabilities to receive education. The document, in particular, proposes to oblige educational organizations to create special conditions for students with disabilities, and also to replace the term “mentally retarded” with the term “intellectual impairment” in the field of education.

Amendments are proposed to be made to the federal law on education. The explanatory note states that the term “mentally retarded” is incorrect from the point of view of pedagogy and psychology and “deliberately limits the possibilities of children with such a diagnosis for successful socialization.” In addition, this change will strengthen control over the non-disclosure of medical diagnoses to third parties.

The proposed amendments also clarify the list of special conditions for obtaining education by people with disabilities, including ensuring access to buildings and premises of organizations and tutor support. It is assumed that the creation of such conditions will be provided at the expense of the educational organization.

To ensure equal rights for people experiencing difficulties in mastering educational programs and social adaptation, the bill proposes to establish a standard procedure for providing psychological, pedagogical, medical and social assistance. The basis for organizing homeschooling is also determined. To transfer to home schooling, parents or legal representatives must submit a written request to the organization and a medical report on the presence of a disease in the child.

Read more about how Russia plans to educate people with disabilities in the Kommersant article. “Backwardness is being pulled up to disruption”.

Milena Kostereva