Dynamics of modern society: Analyzing the trajectory and mechanisms of social and inclusive development

Abstract

This study examines the inclusive development of Ukrainian society with a particular focus on inclusive education as a key mechanism of social participation under wartime conditions. The aim of the article is to analyze current trends in the development of inclusive education in Ukraine, assess the institutional role of inclusive resource centers, and identify the major barriers preventing young people with visual and hearing impairments from entering higher education. The research design combines literature analysis, descriptive analysis of official educational statistics, a questionnaire survey of 60 respondents aged 18–30 from three regions of Ukraine, and a case-based review of inclusive educational practice. The results show a steady increase in the number of students with special educational needs and inclusive classes in Ukraine during 2020–2025, indicating growing demand for institutional support, educational adaptations, and professional staffing. The findings also demonstrate that psychological barriers, especially the expectation of rejection and discrimination, may be more significant than purely infrastructural constraints in shaping educational decisions. At the same time, the article highlights the role of inclusive resource centers as an important institutional mechanism of support, while emphasizing that their quantitative expansion should be complemented by qualitative strengthening. The study concludes that the effective development of inclusive education in Ukraine requires not only formal legal guarantees but also better institutional readiness, improved information support, teacher training, and a barrier-free educational environment.