On 8 May 2025, Slaveya Kostadinova, Chair of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Bulgaria, delivered a training session for the teaching staff of Dimcho Debelyanov Secondary School in Varna. The topic of the training was “Building partnerships with parents”, with a strong focus on the role of effective communication in inclusive education.
During the training, Slaveya Kostadinova presented the Multi-IN project and the resources developed within its framework, with particular emphasis on the products addressed to teachers and parents. The presentation covered key elements of the guidelines related to the roles and responsibilities of the different actors in the educational process, the forms of cooperation between schools and families, and the importance of a partnership-based approach in supporting pupils with special educational needs.
Special attention was given to communication between parents and teachers as a key factor for the successful inclusion of children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. The training was fully based on the guidelines and practical recommendations developed within the Multi-IN project and demonstrated how they can be applied in real school settings.
An important part of the training was the active participation of the school principal, Ms Kalina Nusheva, who is among the experts involved in the creation of a Multi-IN training video addressed to school principals. Within the project, she shares her valuable practical experience and management approaches in supporting pupils with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, which contributed to making the resources more realistic and applicable.
At the end of the training, a lively and engaging discussion took place, based on a practical case study:
“There is a pupil with a physical disability in your class who uses a wheelchair. You need to organise a two-day school trip to Gabrovo for the whole class. How would you plan the trip? What steps would you take? Would you seek support and from whom?”
The case study encouraged the team to discuss concrete solutions, the need for careful advance planning, the involvement of parents as partners, and seeking support from external specialists and institutions to ensure equal participation of all pupils.
The team of Dimcho Debelyanov Secondary School – Varna demonstrated strong motivation and commitment to inclusive education. Throughout the training, the teachers clearly showed their willingness to work actively with parents, challenge stereotypes and seek the best possible solutions in the best interest of children. Their open and professional approach is a clear sign of their commitment to creating a supportive and positive school environment for pupils with special educational needs.