Inclusive education in the Russian higher school: modern challenges

The article addresses the problems stemming from introducing inclusive education in higher education institutions. The authors show that readiness to introduce and implement inclusive education programs seems to be problematic due to the educational reform. In accordance with the Federal Law «About education in the Russian Federation», higher school has to function not only as an educational, but also as a social and rehabilitation institute. This means that there is a need for special educational, rehabilitation, and legal services, which must guarantee, that disability cannot be the reason for possible restrictions. Therefore, achievement of the third (social) mission of higher education institutions is a complicated task. Moreover, the authors consider the problem of equality of resources and equality of opportunities as one of the key problems associated with developing inclusive education programs in higher school. Nevertheless, the inclusive education in higher education institutions is possible while considering it as an adaptive-adapting system, aimed at the professional identity based on the idea of equal opportunities of the personality in the course of professional fulfillment.