A New Model of Inclusive Education Is Being Implemented in Atyrau

April 2 is observed worldwide as World Autism Awareness Day. This important date aims to raise public awareness and understanding of children with special educational needs and to promote a culture of acceptance in society. It also reminds us of the importance of creating equal opportunities for every child.

One of the key centers systematically working in this direction is the “Daryn” Inclusive Education Resource Center, operating under the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy of the Faculty of Innovative Education at Atyrau University named after Khalel Dosmukhamedov.

According to the university’s press secretary, Samgat Kairat, the main goal of the center is to combine the theoretical knowledge of future special education teachers and psychologists with practical experience, while providing high-quality and professional support to children with special educational needs. Today, the “Daryn” center has become an important scientific and practical platform for inclusive education in the region.

Currently, the center conducts systematic corrective and developmental work with children with special needs. It also provides students with opportunities to improve their practical skills and implements research and projects in the field of inclusive education.

Starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, within the framework of a memorandum signed with the Regional Psychological-Medical-Pedagogical Consultation No. 1, the center has been providing regular speech therapy and psychological support to children with special needs. This initiative aims to develop children’s speech, communication, and social adaptation skills.

Various scientific and practical events are regularly organized at the center. In particular, on April 2 last year, a regional forum titled “Methods and Approaches to the Social Adaptation of Children with Autism” was held with the participation of scholars from universities across the western region.

In addition, on April 9, 2025, an international scientific and practical conference titled “Inclusive Education and Society: Methodology, Research, Practice” was organized jointly with Simon Fraser University. The event brought together international and national scholars, researchers, and practitioners who discussed key issues in inclusive education.

Currently, a modular psychological program designed to develop the social and communication skills of children with special educational needs—developed jointly by the faculty and students of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy—has been submitted for patenting and is under scientific review. This innovative project combines science and practice and has significant social value.

Overall, the “Daryn” Inclusive Education Resource Center not only supports children with special needs but also contributes significantly to the training of future qualified specialists. The center is expected to continue expanding its work in this field and further promote a culture of equal opportunities and mutual understanding in society.