On October 23–24, 2025, the state institution "South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushinsky" joined the work of the XI International Congress on Special Pedagogy and Psychology "Education without Barriers: European Integration Dimensions", organized by the Mykola Yarmachenko Institute of Special Pedagogy and Psychology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

The Congress brought together scientists, educators and partners from Ukraine, Canada, Poland, Switzerland around the topics of special education, inclusion, psychological support and innovations in the education of persons with special needs.

Andrii Vasylyovych Krasnozhon, Rector of Ushynsky University, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, delivered a welcoming speech to the participants of the Congress, who emphasized the importance of the university's long-term cooperation with the Mykola Yarmachenko Institute and noted the importance of integrating Ukrainian special education into the European educational space.

At the plenary session, Hanna Borisovna Sokolova, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Physical Culture, Sports and Special Education, delivered a report entitled “Formation of Professional Competence of Special Education Specialists in the Conditions of European Integration Processes.” In her speech, the scientist focused on modern trends in the professional training of special education teachers, the need to introduce European standards into the Ukrainian higher education system, and the development of inclusive competence of future specialists.

Teachers and students of the “Special Education” specialty actively participated in the Congress, who presented their own scientific achievements and exchanged experience with colleagues from different regions of Ukraine and European countries.

Ushynsky University traditionally supports initiatives aimed at the development of special education, inclusion, and international scientific cooperation, confirming its status as a leading pedagogical institution in Ukraine.

The event became a vivid example of scientific unity, professional dialogue and the desire for innovation in the field of special education.

The participants of the Congress emphasized the importance of integrating Ukrainian education into the European space and developing modern competencies of specialists capable of working effectively in conditions of social change.