INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT: CONTENT OF THE CONCEPT AND REGULATORY AND LEGAL PROVISION

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the concept of an inclusive environment as a complex phenomenon that covers various spheres of human life: education, professional and cultural and leisure. The purpose of the study is to analyze the content of the concept of «inclusive environment» in various spheres of activity and to characterize the regulatory and legal support. An inclusive environment is considered as a space where conditions are created for the full participation of all people, regardless of their physical, gender, mental, social or cultural characteristics. The article emphasizes that an inclusive educational environment, an inclusive work environment, an inclusive cultural and leisure environment involve the creation of specific conditions in a certain area of life for a person with disabilities in order to fully realize the rights of every person, which are enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), the Sustainable Development Goals (UN, 2015), the Law of Ukraine «On Education» (2017), the Law of Ukraine «On Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine» (1991), etc. The role of an inclusive working environment in ensuring equal employment opportunities is outlined. The formation of an inclusive environment in the field of inclusive cultural and leisure space is presented, in particular the development of accessible cultural programs, inclusive tourism and sports initiatives. Special attention is paid to three aspects that need to be implemented in each area in order for it to acquire the status of inclusiveness: barrier-free, architectural accessibility, favorable psychological climate, and professional training of specialists. The conclusions emphasize that creating an inclusive environment requires a systemic approach that combines legislative initiatives, public activism, and state support.