The use of futsal for inclusive education of students with disabilities

The article is devoted to the urgent problem of implementing inclusive practices in physical education of students of higher education institutions through the use of adapted futsal. The theoretical foundations and practical aspects of using futsal as an effective means of physical rehabilitation, social adaptation and psychological support for students with disabilities are considered. Scientific research on the impact of team game sports on the development of physical qualities, formation of communication skills and increasing motivation for physical education among people with special educational needs has been analyzed. The specifics of adapting futsal rules in accordance with the nosological features of students with musculoskeletal, visual, hearing and intellectual disabilities have been determined. The results of a pedagogical experiment on testing a modified futsal training program for mixed groups of students at NTU «Dnipro Polytechnic» during the academic year are presented. The experimental group consisted of twenty-four students, including eight people with various health disabilities. The positive impact of systematic adapted futsal classes on indicators of general physical fitness, coordination abilities, psycho-emotional state and level of social integration of students in the experimental group has been established. A significant improvement in endurance indicators by twenty-three percent, movement coordination by thirty-one percent, as well as a decrease in anxiety levels and increased self-esteem in students with disabilities was revealed. The necessity of creating a barrier-free educational environment, developing individual trajectories of physical development and training teachers to work in inclusive groups is substantiated. Methodological recommendations for organizing the educational and training process in futsal in inclusive groups are proposed, including a differentiated approach to dosing loads, using special equipment and providing medical support for classes.