The staff of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy participated in the 5^th All-Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Symposium “Inclusion in Barrier-Free Ukraine: Interbranch, Cross-Sectoral Cooperation, and Interdisciplinarity for Victory and Sustainable Development”.

The event was held on August 23–24 under the auspices of the International Institute of Inclusion.

Oleksandr Cherevko, Rector of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, addressed the participants and organizers with a welcome speech. In the past, as the head of the Cherkasy region, he implemented the state strategy “Barrier-Free Ukraine”. Currently, he continues to support scholars of the Educational-Scientific Institute of Pedagogical Education, Social Work and Art, who study this issue and put the results of their research into practice.

The rector highlighted the importance of consolidating the efforts of science, education, state and public institutions in building a barrier-free environment for every citizen.

“Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy organizes various events to support inclusion in the Cherkasy region – training sessions, conferences, scientific and practical meetings. We are creating a more open, accessible and friendly educational environment for children and adults. In October, the Department of Primary and Special Education, which ensures the high-quality training of future speech therapists, will host an all-Ukrainian event on special and inclusive education. Therefore, we invite scholars to join us. Together, we are building a strong, fair, and barrier-free Ukraine.”

The symposium program featured speeches by leading scholars, educators, public figures, entrepreneurs, and practitioners in the field of inclusion.

Among the speakers were renowned scholars of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, heads of higher education institutions, representatives of state and public organizations, war veterans, practical psychologists, and early intervention specialists.

Special words of gratitude were expressed to the organizer of the event – Director of the International Institute of Inclusion, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Zoriana Leniv, who has been developing the philosophy of inclusion in Ukraine for over five years, uniting scholars and practitioners around the theme of barrier-free society.

The symposium became a powerful platform for exchanging experience, new ideas, and strategies for developing an inclusive society in today’s context.

The participants praised the high level of organization, the richness of the program, and the practical value of the materials presented.

“We thank the organizers and speakers for their professionalism, motivation, and new knowledge. Looking forward to future meetings at academic and educational events!” said Tetiana Zorochkina, Head of the Department of Primary and Special Education.

The Department of Primary and Special Education