ASU student Alina Pristanskaya took second place in the Interregional stage of the Abilympics championship in the Correctional Psychology category

ASU student Alina Pristanskaya secured second place in the Interregional Stage of the Abilympics Championship in the Correctional Psychology category. A second-year student at the Faculty of Social Technologies and Tourism within the Institute for Quality of Life, Alina represented Adygea with distinction at this prestigious event. The Interregional Stage of the Abilympics Professional Skills Championship for People with Disabilities (Higher Education Competency) was held in the Correctional Psychology category.

The competition took place from March 17 to 19 at Southern Federal University in Rostov-on-Don.

The assignment comprised three modules. In the first module, students were required to analyze a psychological case study. They also had 45 minutes to develop a comprehensive, structured psychological and educational report based on the case, including recommendations for parents and teachers.

In the second module, participants had 45 minutes to develop a training scenario aimed at preparing inclusive classroom teachers to effectively interact with students with disabilities. The scenario focused on a 14-year-old adolescent with a profound visual impairment.

The third module involved designing a psychological and pedagogical intervention plan spanning 3-4 sessions. Additionally, participants were expected to provide subsequent recommendations for adolescent development tailored for teachers, parents, and specialists. The total time allocated for completing this third module was 60 minutes.

Participants were also required to choose between answering the question verbally or conducting a five-minute cognitive assessment on a volunteer. Alina chose the assessment, which she completed successfully. Although she did not advance to the next round, she has no regrets about participating in the championship.  

"I truly enjoyed the competition; everything was organized to a high standard—accommodations, meals, and the overall atmosphere were exceptional. I gained invaluable experience in public speaking, script development, and training, and I had the opportunity to make new connections. I encourage all students not to be afraid to try new things and to participate in various competitions," shared Alina.

Alina mentioned that she prepared for the competition independently. Her high-level performance was made possible by the comprehensive knowledge she acquired in developmental psychology and the psychological and pedagogical assessment of children with special educational needs, courses offered by the Faculty of Social Technologies and Tourism at ASU.