AMUSE

The AMUSE project aims to establish active cooperation between Ukrainian and European Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in inclusive and special needs education. It provides teachers with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methodology to support speech-impaired children. This will result in an AAC based kindergarten textbook, a massive open online course (MOOC) for in-service teachers, and improved curricula, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in Ukraine’s education system.

This international initiative aims to positively affect the learning climate in Ukraine, particularly in terms of educators’ readiness and skills, and creation of a more inclusive educational environment. The training of pre-service teachers, particularly in the field of natural sciences, will provide speech-impaired children with the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental ideas of the world in which they live, and which influences their lives.

AMUSE project

01 November 2024 - 01 November 2027

In collaboration with the University of Oslo, the HU will work towards the following results:

An AAC-based textbook "World Around Us for Kindergartens", which will be the first textbook for speech-impaired children in Ukraine.
A training course, 'Inclusion and AAC Material Development' for 150 in-service teachers (MOOC).
An international conference, 'AAC and Inclusion in Teaching Natural Sciences at Different Levels,' held in Ukraine, gathering 200 teachers from preschool, primary, secondary, and university levels.
A scientific and practical conference, 'Inclusion and AAC in Teaching and Research' targeting 100 Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral students from partner institutions and beyond.

"The number of children who have stopped speaking is rising in Ukrainian schools. Together with Ukrainian teachers, we are exploring AAC and inclusive education to enhance teacher training."
Sofie Sergeant

Our project will adapt and adopt EU higher education didactic and approaches to updating curricula, revising existing and creating new courses. All the outcomes (courses for students, MOOC, and the textbook) will be extensively piloted and promoted in Ukrainian educational institutions of different levels and will hopefully remove some barriers from the Ukrainian system of education making it open to all.

How can we create learning environments where all voices—spoken or not—are heard, valued, and supported?

The theme “Inclusion in Education with a Focus on AAC” highlights children with hearing or speech impairments, selective mutism, and neurodivergent profiles. Together with our keynote speakers, we emphasise the importance of emotional sensitivity and explore how AAC can play a vital role in supporting these children throughout their entire educational journey.

Winning the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award underscores the municipality of Utrecht's pioneering role in promoting social equality. Building on this commitment, the AMUSE project actively works to advance inclusion within Ukrainian education.

Date: 01-10-2025
Time: 09:30–17:30
Location: Padualaan 101, Science Park, Utrecht & Online
Registration: Free

Join us for the Symposium! Register now using the button below.