Open International University of Human Development "Ukraine" is non-profit, non-state higher education institution, established in 1998. Peter M. Talanchuk - President of university "Ukraine", honored Scientist and Technician of Ukraine, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, member of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, the initiator and president of the Academy of Engineering Sciences of Ukraine, member of four international academies, honorary rector of the National Technical University of Ukraine "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute", the first Minister of Education of independent Ukraine. History Establishment and development The Open International University of Human Development "Ukraine" was decided to be established at the first meeting of founders on June 30, 1998. Kyiv City State Administration, the Ukrainian Union of Disabled, International Foundation for Human Development, Ukrainian Association of the Deaf, the International Foundation for Disabled Chernobyl and other entities and individuals were among the founders. By July 12, 1999, an Admission Board had started its work and 1616 first-year students were enrolled. The first branches of the university were opened in 20 cities throughout Ukraine that year. In 2000 next two branches were established and the students were enrolled to 28 specialties. The total number of university students was around 6,000. In 2001 the university "Ukraine" affiliates with 12,000 students' enrollment in 24 cities of the country, in all administrative regions. In 2002 the Institute of Generations Harmony for advanced people adaptation to the reality was organized in Kyiv. Students were being trained on 30 licensed specialties. And also a few were being prepared to be licensed. 22 branches and 2 academic consultation centers had been fully functioned. Over 17 thousand students were studying there and 1.5 thousand students with disabilities among them. During 2003–2004, new branches and academic consultation centers (ACC) were opened. Geographically separated affiliates of the university continued to develop and the most powerful ones reorganized into institutions. The students were admitted on 47 specialties and different qualification levels. Nearly 25 thousand students study were studying at the university. Providing educational services by distance learning methods was an educational experiment and a milestone of the university development. Innovation method was approved by the joint Order of The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and The Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine. Thus, implementing the European standard education technology, university "Ukraine" offers education to persons with disabilities. On February 24, 2004, the first local center of distance learning was established