Special Needs Education

In Finland everyone has got the right for education. In my opinion this is very important and makes a difference in one’s life. 

Each education provider is responsible for organising special needs education and training and services for students in special needs education and training. The aim is to ensure educational equality and equal educational services to everyone. (The Finnish National Board of Education, 2012.)

In vocational education and training, students with special needs have several possibilities to undertake their studies. They are integrated in the mainstream education if possible. If one is not capable to follow the "ordinary" educational path, there are many alternative ways to be educated. The students may be:

• studying in special needs groups
• studying in vocational special education institutions
• or learning through apprenticeship training. (The Finnish National Board of Education, 2012.)

The starting point, when planning special needs education, should be the student. What is good for this individual? What are his or her personal targets? How can we support him/her to achieve those goals? Does he/she need any other forms of professional help?

Each student in need of special education and training will have an individual education plan (IEP) drawn up. The plan follows the student through his/her education. The plan set out details of:

• the qualification
• the national core curriculum or the requirements of the competence-based qualification observed in education and training
• the individual curriculum
• grounds for providing special needs education and training
• special educational and student welfare services, as well as other services and support measures provided for the student. (The Finnish National Board of Education, 2012.)

My Experiences

Previously I have had students with learning difficulties, hearing disabilities, mental problems and students who have needed an assistant for moving around in the premises. There may have been many other special needs, too, which I have not been aware of. It is up to the student to decide how openly he/she is happy to talk about the special needs. 

I personally think that openness would be good in order to get all the possible support from each staff member. But I can understand that some students do not want to share their personal issues with each teacher.

Some of our special needs students apply through the related flexible application procedure. We decide who we invite for an entry exam or interview. We also offer the study places to those students. Sometimes special needs students may apply through the ordinary procedure. The need for special help may arise only once the school has started.

I am assuming different kind of mental problems play the biggest role in many vocational schools in Finland. Therefore it is great that we have a new law stating that each vocational school should have a psychologist.

I have had a chance to make a short questionnaire for local companies concerning their attitudes towards special needs students and their on-the-job learning. According to the results, there is still a lot to do to change attitudes. An extended on-the-job learning period could be very helpful for some of the special needs students, but first the businesses should be assured that the students are capable to carry it out.

References

The Finnish National Board of Education. (2012) "Special Needs Education." Retrieved March 17, 2013 from http://www.oph.fi/english/education/educational_support_and_student_wellbeing/special_needs_education