In 2013, inclusive education has been recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia as one of the main priorities. Consequently, the Ministry is carrying out a number of important projects for pupils with special educational needs, among them is “Inclusive Education Support Program”.

The objective of the Program is to provide education for children with special educational needs with the help of specialized methodology. Educational program is based on the National Curriculum and is adapted to the abilities and needs of the children. Integrated classes were opened for children with autism spectrum and hearing disorders in two public schools of Tbilisi.   

Minister of Education Tamar Sanikidze visited an integrated class for children with autism spectrum disorders opened in #166 Tbilisi Public School.

The class is equipped with necessary auxiliary teaching resources and visual material. A teacher, a psychologist, an assistant teacher and an assistant specialist (nurse) were selected based on an open contest. Integrated class pupils have some lessons together with other pupils.  

National Center for Teacher Professional Development of the Ministry and Inclusive Education Development Division have provided training for specialists of integrated classes. The training course will help the specialists to better integrate children with special educational needs in educational sphere and provide them with quality education.

With the ongoing and already accomplished projects in inclusive education, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia also adheres to UNESCO Salamanca Statement on integration of people with disabilities in the education system. Up to 100 UN member states have adhered to the abovementioned Statement.