"Barrier-free space: inclusive street zone for children with SEN"

We are a team of specialists (consultants) of the Municipal Institution "Inclusive Resource Center" of Varva Settlement Council, Pryluky District, Chernihiv Region who work daily with children with special educational needs and their families, helping them take small steps towards development, independence and socialization.

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Our team includes: psychologist, speech therapists, defectologist and rehabilitator

, who have practical experience working with children with:

• musculoskeletal disorders;
• autism spectrum disorders;
• sensory and intellectual disabilities.

For many of these children, movement is an effort.

Touch is a challenge.

Communication is fear.

With support from "Rokada" Foundation during 2023-2024, offices were equipped with corrective equipment, didactic materials and furniture: speech therapist, rehabilitator and psychologist.

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However, based on parent requests and specialist observations, it was decided to create an outdoor inclusive space. We believe that fresh air, movement and play will help children discover new possibilities, believe in their own strength and take a step towards their dreams.

But today the IRC outdoor space is not adapted to the needs of such children: there are no accessible routes, sensory zones, safe equipment for development. As a result, we are forced to conduct CDS indoors each time - although we know they need outdoor space that won't limit their needs.

Thanks to this project, we will be able to improve sensory integration, motor skills and communication of children with SEN, reduce their anxiety and sensory overload, increase the effectiveness of corrective-developmental sessions.

This project is about believing in every child, about the right of children with special educational needs to explore the world in a safe, accessible and supportive environment, about the possibility to move, feel, communicate and rejoice - without fear, pain and limitations.

We believe that IRC territory will become a place where children with SEN don't "adapt" to the environment, but the environment will be adapted to them.

Implementation of this project will give the community the opportunity to invest in infrastructure that will become an environment with equal opportunities. Together we can make childhood barrier-free and development supportive.