Uzbekistan Expands Support for Children with Special Needs

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan has signed a presidential decree aimed at improving educational and social services for children requiring special education.

Decree No. PP-292, signed by the President of Uzbekistan on 4 August 2026, introduces new support mechanisms for children with special educational needs, expands state support measures, and develops inclusive education, according to the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan.

Starting 1 September 2026, the country will implement a "mahallabay" system to engage children requiring special education in educational and social programs. Social workers will provide practical assistance to families in receiving necessary services, monitor their ongoing use, and assist in providing additional social support measures when necessary.

Integrated child assessment groups under the "Inson" centers will identify special educational needs among children aged 3 to 18 and refer them to state educational institutions. Educational needs will be evaluated based on psychological and pedagogical diagnostic criteria, while functional capabilities will be assessed using a disability evaluation scale adapted to local conditions. The operation of these assessment groups will begin in Navoiy and Khorezm regions on 1 October 2026.

Beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year, education in specialized state educational institutions will be organized based on individual curricula that take into account each child's educational needs, functional capabilities, and academic performance level.

The document also provides financial support for non-state educational organizations that open correctional classes. Starting 1 September 2026, subsidies per student in these classes will be allocated in the amount of 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 1 May 2027, Uzbekistan will introduce a voucher system to provide children with special educational needs with modern assistive learning tools.

Starting in 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 access to 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, providing winners with grants of equivalent amounts and mentorship support to implement their projects.

Starting from the 2027/2028 academic year, state higher educational institutions will begin targeted admission training for teachers to instruct children with hearing impairments in foreign languages.

In addition, 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.

Starting 1 September 2026, advanced training courses for special education teachers will be conducted in both full-time and distance formats based on approved curricula and programs.