Introduction. Social integration of children with mental retardation (MR) remains a complex task requiring methods that overcome the fragmentation of social and cognitive skills development. The article discusses the original pedagogical technology “Cognitive-contextual construction” (3C), which synthesizes project activities with a meaningful social context. Objective of the study. Theoretical and methodological substantiation, description and empirical testing of the effectiveness of the home projects program “INZHENERiYA”: My World”, based on the 3C technology, for the social rehabilitation of primary school-age children with MR in a family upbringing setting. Materials and methods. Thirty families raising children with MR aged 7-9 years participated in the quasi-experimental study. A program consisting of four thematic blocks, implemented by parents using construction sets, was used. The dynamics of constructive, social and cognitive skills was assessed using a validated observation checklist before and after the program implementation. The Wilcoxon t-test was used for statistical analysis. Study Results. Statistically significant positive dynamics were revealed across all skill groups (p < 0.001). The greatest increase was noted in social skills (the average score increased from 2.3 to 3.8), as well as in constructive (from 2.0 to 3.5) and cognitive skills (from 2.3 to 3.7). Qualitative data confirmed a decrease in situational anxiety in children and an increase in parental competence. Conclusion. The results confirm the high practical effectiveness and applicability of the cognitive-contextual design technology as a tool for family social rehabilitation. The technology provides a comprehensive impact due to the integration of motor, cognitive, and social development within the framework of meaningful project activities structured by a “safe social simulator.”
Keywords: social rehabilitation, children with disabilities, mental retardation, cognitive-contextual construction, executive functions, social intelligence, project activities, inclusive education, family education, supported parenting.