Introductory speech at the opening of the “Communication Without Barriers” Educational and Methodological Centre established under the Erasmus+ AMUSE project (27.07.2026, online)
On 27 July 2026, the team from the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine joined the official opening of the “Communication Without Barriers” Educational and Methodological Centre, established under the Erasmus+ international project “Comprehensive Implementation of Alternative and Augmentative Communication Methodology in the Ukrainian Education System” (AMUSE), which took place at Uman National University. The new educational space will serve as a platform for professional development, inter-institutional cooperation, and the implementation of modern European practices in alternative and augmentative communication in the Ukrainian education system.
The event was attended by representatives of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, public authorities, educational institutions, inclusive resource centres, and civil society organisations. The AMUSE project has brought together Ukrainian and European universities, pre-school education institutions, civil society organisations, and experts to promote inclusive education in Ukraine.
As part of the project, Ukrainian academic staff undertook training and study visits at universities in the Netherlands, Poland, Norway, and Estonia. The European experience in the use of alternative and augmentative communication tools was subsequently adapted to the Ukrainian educational context. Project partners have developed new academic disciplines, educational modules, professional development programmes, and methodological materials, as well as delivered training for academic staff and practising educators.
Svitlana SHYTIKOVA, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office – Ukraine, joined the opening of the Centre and highlighted the unique nature of the AMUSE project. She expressed confidence that the centres established within the project would become strong resource hubs for teachers, educators, students, pupils, and parents not only in Uman but also in other regions of Ukraine.
During the event, participants explored the modern equipment, educational and methodological resources, and opportunities provided by the new Centre. The opening of the “Communication Without Barriers” Educational and Methodological Centre represents one of the practical outcomes of the AMUSE project and will contribute to the development of an accessible and inclusive educational environment in Ukraine.