At present the number of people with disabilities including youth in need of good quality higher education is increasing. It requires the focus on creation the appropriate conditions for access, support and studies of the students with special needs. For people with disabilities it is not easy to obtain the higher education in Ukraine due to the fact that most of the universities are not able to accept students with disabilities on a full-time basis.

Uman pedagogical University boasts a considerable experience in inclusive education: the students with disabilities actively participate in the social and cultural life of the University, all the conditions for their psychological support and sociocultural adaptation are provided, the University gives the opportunity to the students not only to obtain the desired qualification or modern profession, but it also helps them with employment.

According to the Law of Ukraine "On Principles of Social Protection of the Disabled in Ukraine," individuals with disabilities (I and II group disabilities as well as disabled children) are able to apply for admission in universities provided that they certify their right to take the entrance examinations. The following groups of people are enrolled out of competition: disabled groups I and II and disabled children under 18 years of age who have no contradictions for the selected specialization.

In our University the boys and girls with severe physical disabilities study together in common groups and thye have a comfortable access to the libraries, laboratories, dormitories, and the dining room. At the same time, distance learning is also actively introduced. It is a goal-oriented and evaluated intensive study of a student who can learn in a comfortable place following the his or her own schedule, having a specific set of learning tools and possibility of contact with the faculty by telephone, electronic and ordinary mail, as well as meetings in person. Distance learning corresponds to the principle of humanistic education according to which no one should be deprived of an education for the reasons of social instability and inability to attend the educational institutions in connection with the physical disabilities.

In our University there are the students with special needs from all over Ukraine. They most frequently choose their specialties in the areas of "Social Pedagogics", "Social Work", "Applied Psychology" and "Speech Training". Thus, on obtaining the education they will be able to work in institutions of social services and help the other people with disabilities.

From September onwards to support these students in the University there is an innovative project of the Student psycho-social service of rehabilitation of the students with specail needs.

The University has establsihed the following priorities: formation of an inclusive expertise of the staff members, focus on strengthening volunteerism in providing the social services to the pupils and students with special needs, improving the work with students with special needs in terms of professional orientation and preparation for entry into the University.