Normal classes recommended for Handicapped

Press, 15 May 1985, Page 25

Normal classes recommended for Handicapped

PA Wellington Children with physical or mental handicaps, or learning difficulties should be placed in normal classes provided certain requirements were met, said a report to the Educational Institute on special education. The requirements included that the training, appointment and availability of the necessary support services be an immediate priority; the needs of all children be considered; the range of alternatives at present available for special education be maintained and expanded as required; and the skills from teachers in both regular and special education be unified for the benefit of all, the report said.

It recommended that the placement of children with

special needs in mainstream classes be subject to consideration by a multi-disciplin-ary placement committee which would consult the teachers concerned. Any decision should be subject to the endorsment of the teachers. Other recommendations included that the placement committee pay particular attention to the number and range of handicaps of the children, both for the class under consideration and the school as a whole. It recommended the provision of specialist teacher assistants. Ancillary help and other necessary support services should be available to each mainstream class as of right. The report was discussed at the annual meeting of the Educational Institute in Wellington yesterday.