For two days on the basis of Uzhhorod National University with the participation of domestic and foreign experts, professional discussions were held on new approaches to the introduction of educational and training practices for students in the areas of special education, physical and occupational therapy. In particular, at the initiative of the Charitable Organisation "Medical Aid Committee in Zakarpattia" the issue of involvement of Vilshansky Orphanage and Social Abilitation and Rehabilitation Centre "Parasolka" to the practice bases is being considered.

“Today, there is a need for specific specialists, so we clearly formulate the request and are interested in young personnel trained by UzhNU. In order to expand and deepen the theoretical knowledge of students, it is important to create a bridge between the classroom and the social stratum, which is the primary object of applying the acquired knowledge. Our dialogue is about finding a balance between supply and demand, which I hope will have the highest efficiency. Here and now, there is a change in the perception of persons with disabilities and the understanding of our ability to help them improve the quality of their life, ”said Nataliya Kabatsiy, director of CAMZ.

Nadiya Danch, project and program coordinator of CAMZ, outlined the practical aspects of involving students and managers in the process from the base of practice, namely a comprehensive approach to working with clients - from support in socio-pedagogical and correctional-pedagogical areas to work in workshops and therapy.

“Socio-pedagogical support is based on lifelong learning. Therefore, it is important that the supporting specialists accompany this process, become involved in the daily life of their clients,” Nadiya Danch emphasised.

Teachers of special disciplines and practice leaders from the university noted that the voiced needs require additions to the content of the existing courses so that the student can test acquired theoretical knowledge during practical training. Another and, perhaps, the most important issue is the choice of the right methodology for organising the practice itself and preparing the student for contact and interaction with people with disabilities.

In turn, Lesya Levko, a member of CAMZ, stressed that one of the goals of practice is, among other things, a mutual integration: on one hand, of students - into the environment of a social institution, on the other hand, subject, and object of social and rehabilitation services. In general, having a long experience of organising a quality environment for people with disabilities, any challenges and risks are perceived as an ongoing task that can be solved by joint efforts.

Dean of the Faculty of Health and Physical Education Ivan Myronyuk, Head of the Department of Physical Rehabilitation Yaroslav Filak, university lecturers, special education teacher, member of the presidium of the Parasolka Association (Switzerland) Beat Hunziker, pedagogue, trainer, and existential analysis consultant Anton Wagner, teacher of the certificate program "Medical, psychological and social support for people with special needs ”, supervisor Oksana Vynyarska and other interested specialists also joined the discussions.

As a result of the exchange of views, the participants in the discussion came to a joint decision to organise in the near future a visit of the teachers who supervise the practice at the university to the practice base. Subsequently, a study tour will also take place for students of the relevant specialties. The internship schedule will be formed soon, the need to involve specialists, - who, in fact, will become mentors for those, who have chosen the path of helping people, - will be determined.

Summing up the meeting of June 23, Anton Wagner stressed that no matter what obstacles and challenges arise in the implementation of the educational concept, the initiative should get the most benefit and positive experience.