Kyiv Polytechnic, Poland’s FRONia Foundation boost cooperation in disability accessibility and support for veterans
The administration of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute met with Aleksander Waszkielewicz, President of the Poland’s FRONia Foundation for Persons with Disabilities (Fundacja Osób Niepełnosprawnych) who has 20-year experience in accessibility issues and the in-depth expertise to apply accessibility principles to public administration and the university environment.
During the meeting, the following issues were under discussion:
- exchange of knowledge, solutions and best practice in accessibility;
- joint initiatives and pilot projects;
- development of educational programmes, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and adaptation;
- support for the development of adaptive sports.
Special attention was paid to the implementation of the strategy for creating an inclusive environment at Kyiv Polytechnic for individuals with special needs, as well as to university’s policy with respect to war veterans. Kyiv Polytechnic is proactively developing this area, particularly through the Centre for Veteran Development. Currently, some 300 veterans discharged from the armed forces and military personnel on active duty are studying at the university. Among relevant initiatives is a master’s programme in biomedical engineering and applied mechanics, designed expressly for veterans.
During his visit, Aleksander Waszkielewicz was introduced to operations of the Sikorsky Challenge Science Park of Additive Technologies, and the Training and Innovation Centre for Prosthetics and Rehabilitation.
It is important for Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute to create an accessible educational environment and to develop a comprehensive support system embracing education, career growth, rehabilitation, adaptive sports, and the reintegration of war veterans into civilian life. The exchange of Polish and Ukrainian experience opens up new opportunities for collaborative practical solutions that can make education and university life more inclusive and accessible to all.
