Uzbekistan Expands Support for Children with Special Needs
Uzbekistan will implement new measures to support children with special educational needs, including subsidies, assistive technology vouchers, and adaptive learning programs.
Uzbekistan has issued a presidential decree to enhance educational and social provisions for children requiring special education, as reported by UzDaily.uz.
The decree, identified as No. PP-292 and signed by Uzbekistan's President on August 4, 2026, introduces new support mechanisms for children with special educational needs, expands state assistance, and fosters inclusive education, according to the Ministry of Justice.
Effective September 1, 2026, a "mahallabay" system will be implemented nationwide to integrate children with special educational needs into educational and social programs. Social workers will offer practical aid to families in accessing necessary services, monitor their continued utilization, and facilitate additional social support when required.
Integrated child assessment groups, operating within "Inson" centers, will identify special educational needs in children aged 3 to 18 and direct them to state educational institutions. Educational needs will be evaluated using psychological and pedagogical diagnostic criteria, while functional capabilities will be assessed via a disability evaluation scale adapted for local conditions. These assessment groups will commence operations in the Navoho and Khorezm regions on October 1, 2026.
Beginning with the 2026/2027 academic year, specialized state educational institutions will organize education based on individualized curricula, tailored to each child's educational needs, functional capabilities, and academic performance.
The decree also provides financial incentives for non-state educational organizations that establish correctional classes. From September 1, 2026, subsidies per student in these classes will be allocated as follows: 11 base calculating values in Tashkent, 9.5 base calculating values in regional centers and Nukus, and 8.5 base calculating values in other districts and cities.
On May 1, 2027, Uzbekistan will launch a voucher system to supply children with special educational needs with modern assistive learning tools.
Starting from the 2027/2028 academic year, applicants with disabilities taking higher education entrance exams, national certification exams in general subjects, and pedagogical staff certifications will receive an additional 50% of the standard exam duration. They will also be provided with Braille, as well as audio and electronic examination materials.
The decree establishes an annual professional skills competition, "Abilympics," where winners and runners-up will receive one-time cash prizes ranging from 15 to 30 base calculating values.
An annual "UPSHIFT" competition will also be held, offering winners grants of equivalent amounts and mentorship to implement their projects.
Beginning in the 2027/2028 academic year, state higher educational institutions will initiate targeted admission training for teachers specializing in instructing children with hearing impairments in foreign languages.
Furthermore, students majoring in "Primary School Teacher" will undergo training under advanced special pedagogy curricula, and admission quotas for the relevant specialty will be approved in coordination with the relevant agency.
From September 1, 2026, advanced training courses for special education teachers will be conducted in both full-time and distance formats, based on approved curricula and programs.