To The Problem of Physical Support of Persons With Disabilities

Today, the activities of all national institutions, including public authorities, public associations, etc., are aimed at creating conditions in which persons with disabilities can lead an independent life and take an active part in all its aspects. Full participation of people with disabilities in society is not possible due to numerous barriers and obstacles. An «ordinary» person may not notice them, and a person with a disability has to deal with them on a daily basis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the training of accompanying persons with disabilities. Research methods: theoretical – analysis of psychological and pedagogical sources on the researched issues, generalization and systematization of data on training – attendant of persons with disabilities; empirical – polls. The sample of the study consisted of 10 volunteers who accompanied the participants of the International Art Symposium-Plein Air of Persons with Disabilities «Art without Restrictions». Volunteers in the survey noted that the vast majority do not have qualified training. Among the problems faced when accompanying people with disabilities are the following: ignorance of others about the capabilities and needs of people with disabilities; difficulty in establishing interpersonal communication; the presence of architectural barriers that prevent unimpeded movement or access to a particular object; wrong approach that does not take into account the opinion of people with disabilities in solving their problems; a state of despair or helplessness of such people, etc. According to the results of the study, the importance of introducing the standard of the profession «Companion of Persons with Disabilities» and training specialists with the same qualification is an important step towards ensuring access to public goods of all categories of citizens, including people with disabilities. At the same time, the social service of physical support is part of a system of measures that contribute to the social rehabilitation of people with disabilities.