Educational programs for people with disabilities to be developed at Institute of Physical Culture
Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan has sent a written note to the Minister of Education and Science, by proposing to review the admission and studying requirements of the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture for people with disabilities. Admission to the Institute for people with disabilities, especially for the ones with mobility problems is completely limited. The reason is the requirement to submit medical examination findings, as well as the requirement to pass admission exam, such as race, triple jump, sport stretchings and etc. As a result, the specific needs of people with disabilities are disregarded. Whereas, legislation at both national and international level requires ensuring equal conditions for all in receiving higher education. Based on the principle that higher education is compatibile with disability, the Minister of Education and Science, by the Ombudsman’s proposal, has assigned to develop an exam program and grading criteria that would allow people with disabilities to also be admitted and study at the Institute of Physical Culture. Attaching importance to the right of everyone to education, as well as the necessity to develop sports among people with disabilities, the Ombudsman highly appreciates cooperation with the Minsitry of Education and Science and is ready to provide expert support, as well as to involve interested non governmental organizations, reports the Ombudsman's Office.