On the Path to Barrier-Free Society: Implementation of Early Intervention Services in Ukraine

On March 6, 2026, a university-wide lecture dedicated to current issues in the development of early intervention services in Ukraine was held at Berdyansk State Pedagogical University.

The speaker of the event was Alina Synytsia, PhD in Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Applied Psychology and Speech Therapy, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Preschool, Special and Social Education, Head of the Competence Center for Inclusive Education at Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, member of the Ukrainian Association of Correctional Pedagogues and the Ukrainian Association of Early Intervention, speech therapist.

During the lecture, special attention was paid to the importance of developing early intervention services in the context of current demographic challenges and the need for timely identification of developmental disorders in young children. It was emphasized that the period from birth to four years is critical for the formation of a child’s intellect, psyche, and personality; therefore, early support for families is extremely important.

Early intervention services are aimed at comprehensive support for families with children who have developmental disorders or are at risk of such disorders. They help prevent disability and institutionalization of children and contribute to improving the quality of life of families.

Particular attention was also given to the role of early intervention in building a barrier-free and inclusive society, since social inclusion begins from the very birth of a child. An important factor in the effectiveness of this service is the use of evidence-based practices, including a family-centered approach, support in the child’s natural environment, and collaboration within a transdisciplinary team of specialists.

The event attracted significant interest among students and university staff and became a platform for discussing the development of the early intervention system as an important step toward building an inclusive and barrier-free society in Ukraine.

Link to additional materials:
https://fdsso.bdpu.org.ua/kompetentnisnyj-czentr-inklyuzyvnoyi-osvity/

We sincerely thank the Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose courage allows us to study, teach, and build an inclusive future in a free Ukraine.

Based on materials from the Department of Applied Psychology and Speech Therapy and the Competence Center for Inclusive Education of Berdyansk State Pedagogical University.