Author Information
Maral Zhanarstanova, Astana IT University, KazakhstanAnar Uyzbayeva, Astana IT University, Kazakhstan
Ainur Abdina, Astana IT University, Kazakhstan
Aituar Kospakov, Astana IT University, Kazakhstan
Abstract
Inclusive policies in higher education are a key element of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, yet universities in Kazakhstan face barriers to full participation of students with special educational needs. This study examines the readiness of faculty and institutional infrastructure to integrate assistive technologies (AT) as part of building an inclusive culture. Based on a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with experts from higher education in Kazakhstan conducted between June and July 2024, five main themes emerge: (1) expanding the understanding of inclusion beyond disability; (2) gap between national policies and their implementation; (3) fragmented integration of AT without strategic alignment; (4) insufficient teacher training in adaptive learning; (5) socio-cultural norms that reinforce stigma. Despite the existing efforts of universities in Kazakhstan in the field of inclusive education, the use of AT remains unsystematic and insufficiently effective. For sustainable development of the inclusive model, universities are recommended to include AT in strategic plans, to develop professional development programs, to ensure continuous investment in infrastructure, and to conduct educational campaigns among staff and students. Coordinated interaction between universities, government agencies, and public organizations will allow expansion of successful practices and overcoming institutional and cultural barriers.
Paper Information
Conference: PCE2025Stream: Education & Difference: Gifted Education
This paper is part of the PCE2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
Full Paper
View / Download the full paper in a new tab/window
To cite this article:
Zhanarstanova M., Uyzbayeva A., Abdina A., & Kospakov A. (2025) The Role of Assistive Technologies in Forming an Inclusive Culture of Higher Education Institutions in Kazakhstan ISSN: 2758-0962 The Paris Conference on Education 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 287-294) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2758-0962.2025.22
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2758-0962.2025.22
Comments
Powered by WP LinkPress