Inclusion is about everyone”: BSPU hosted a workshop on barrier-free accessibility, communication, and professional responsibility

On September 11, 2026, Berdyansk State Pedagogical University hosted an online workshop entitled “Inclusion Is About Everyone: The Role of Future Professionals in Education,” organized by the Competence Center for Inclusive Education at BSPU as part of its cooperation with civil society organizations.

The invited speaker was Maria Nikitina, Head of the Board of the NGO Chernivtsi Association “Zakhyst”, an expert in accessibility, respectful communication, and the creation of an inclusive environment. The event was moderated by Alina Synytsia, Head of the Competence Center for Inclusive Education, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Psychology and Speech Therapy, and Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Olha Ivanivna Hurenko, First Vice-Rector of BSPU and Professor, who emphasized the importance of developing an inclusive culture within the university community and preparing future professionals capable of working effectively in diverse educational environments.

The workshop provided a space for an open discussion about the fact that inclusion is much more than physical accessibility. It is about attitudes toward people, respect for their dignity, the willingness to recognize barriers, and the responsibility to build meaningful interaction.

Together with Maria Nikitina, participants discussed accessibility, respectful communication, stereotypes and prejudices, as well as the role of future professionals in creating an inclusive educational environment.

Particular attention was paid to everyday professional situations ‑ situations in which our words, reactions, and decisions can determine whether a person feels more included in the educational environment or, on the contrary, encounters another barrier.

An important part of the meeting was an open dialogue with the audience. Participants asked questions, shared their thoughts, and discussed situations they may encounter in their future professional practice.

After all, genuine inclusion begins not only with regulations or the creation of necessary conditions. It begins with our willingness to see others, listen to them, and take a step toward them.

The workshop became an important part of the activities of the Competence Center for Inclusive Education at BSPU, aimed at developing an inclusive culture within the university community, promoting the principles of accessibility, and strengthening the professional readiness of future specialists.

We sincerely thank Maria Nikitina for the meaningful, sincere, and practice-oriented discussion, and all participants for their active engagement, openness, and willingness to engage in dialogue.

Inclusion is about everyone. And it begins with each of us.