FEATURES OF THE PROCESS OF SOCIAL ADAPTATION OF YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Introduction. The process of social adaptation of young people with disabilities in higher education institutions is an important and complex aspect of modern inclusive education. Every year the issue of inclusion of students with special needs is becoming more and more relevant, because higher education institutions are not only a place for acquiring professional knowledge, but also spaces for developing social, cultural and personal competencies of young people. In our society, the problem of ensuring equal access to higher education for people with disabilities is becoming increasingly important, since this is directly related to their integration into the academic and social environment. Social adaptation of young people with disabilities in higher education institutions includes a number of factors that influence the successful inclusion of these students in the educational process and their further social functioning in society. Taking into account the individual needs of each student, this process has specific features that require an individual approach and active participation of various participants in the educational process, including teachers, administration of educational institutions, social workers and, of course, the students themselves. An important aspect of the socialization of young people with disabilities is the creation of an accessible and inclusive learning environment that meets both the physical and psycho-emotional needs of these students. Creating conditions for successful learning, interaction with peers and integration into the university environment requires a comprehensive approach. In addition to physical aspects, which include the accessibility of infrastructure and the use of specialized learning aids, social and psychological barriers that students with disabilities face also play an important role. Thus, the process of social adaptation of young people with disabilities in higher education institutions is multifaceted and requires efforts at the level of organizational changes, as well as cultural and social transformations in society. The relevance of this topic is due not only to the need to ensure equal opportunities for all students, but also to the need to improve existing approaches to inclusive education in Ukraine and the world. In this context, it is important to study both the features of the educational process and the factors that influence the social integration of young people with disabilities into the academic community, which is key to their further success both in their studies and in their professional activities. Purpose and objectives of the article. The purpose of this article is a comprehensive study of the process of social adaptation of young people with disabilities in higher education institutions, in particular, to identify the main aspects that affect their integration into the academic, social and psychological environment of universities. The article aims to investigate both physical and sociopsychological barriers that complicate the adaptation of students with disabilities in educational institutions, as well as to identify ways to overcome these obstacles through inclusive practices, support from teachers, administration and the student body. In addition, the aim is to analyze the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for supporting students with disabilities, such as adapted curricula, accessible infrastructure and specialized services provided by higher education institutions. An important aspect is to assess the role of psychological and social support in shaping the positive dynamics of adaptation and development of these students, as well as to study how the creation of an inclusive environment affects social integration, self-esteem and academic achievements of young people with disabilities. Results. The study identified key aspects and problems related to the social adaptation of young people with disabilities in higher education institutions. It turned out that this process is multifaceted and complex, as it includes not only physical, but also psychological, social and academic adaptation of students to the new learning environment. The results of the study show that, although higher education is gradually becoming more accessible to people with disabilities, significant obstacles to their full integration still exist.