Disabled Applicant Educational Needs in Russian Regions

Health limitations and disabilities of students affect the structure and content of their educational needs. In some cases, these students may require special counseling in career guidance, assistance in social and psychological support in the educational process. The aim of the study is to analyze educational needs of applicants with disabilities and develop recommendations to expand the accessibility of higher education for this category of students. The researchers monitored the educational needs of applicants with disabilities using the survey method in the form of an online questionnaire. The article presents the results of monitoring educational needs of 170 Russian school graduates with disabilities and health limitations who studied in 16 comprehensive educational institutions of 7 regions of the Russian Federation. Based on the analysis of the results, the authors of the article have developed recommendations for regional and municipal authorities and educational organizations subordinate to them. The aim of these recommendations is to show ways to increase the accessibility and quality of higher education for students with disabilities, their further employment and career growth. The practical significance of the obtained results. The results of the study can be used when creating vocational guidance programs for students with disabilities and health limitations and improve their socio-psychological support.