From 2027, children with disabilities will be provided with assistive devices based on vouchers.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed proposals aimed at covering children with special educational needs with education and social services, as well as expanding educational opportunities for persons with disabilities.

 

It was noted during the presentation that more than 168,000 children with disabilities currently reside in Uzbekistan. While 133,800 of them are covered by education and social services, an additional 34,600 children need to be brought into the education system.

 

To this end, starting October 1, 2026, a new mechanism for assessing the needs of children with special educational needs will be piloted in the Khorezm and Navoi regions. Under this mechanism, social workers will work with each child on a "family-by-family" basis and assign appropriate educational and social services.

 

From the 2026/2027 academic year, it is planned that education in special schools will be organized based on individual plans, with visually impaired teachers as well as personal assistants and support staff assigned to primary grades.

 

Additionally, subsidies will be allocated per student to non-governmental schools that establish correctional classes to create conditions for children with disabilities to receive education close to their homes. Each year, initiatives from at least 50 schools aimed at improving the inclusive environment will be funded through grants.

 

From 2027, it was proposed to provide children with text reading devices, speech synthesizers, Braille displays, and other assistive equipment on a voucher basis.

 

From the 2027/2028 academic year, persons with disabilities will be provided with additional time, Braille, sign language interpreters, assistants, and other necessary accommodations in entrance and certification examinations.