Section One

An outline of Special Needs Provision in Ireland.
Swan (2000), describes the progression of special needs education in Ireland in three phases:
1. The era of neglect and denial
2. The era of the special school
3. The era of integration and inclusion

You are required to research, explore and discuss each of the three ‘eras’ identified by Swan making reference to:

1. The role of religious orders in the care and education of children with special needs 2. Institutional care
3. First inspectorate for special education (1959)
4. Development of special schools
5. Development of special classes in mainstream schools
6. Report of the special education review committee (1993)
7. The White paper on education: ‘Charting our Educational Future’ (1995)

Section Two 

This section of your project requests that you explore the education/ childcare sector in an Irish context.

You are required to outline:

1. The provisions for special educational needs in the education/childcare sector.

2. Government influences on the sector e.g., inclusion and integration policies, and funding.

3. The role and responsibilities of a Special Needs Assistant with relevant examples.

4. The relevant skills of an S.N.A. and their support of the teacher’s role in schools.

Section Three (5 Marks)

Outline current legislation relating to special needs education in Ireland to demonstrate your understanding and application of same in relation to your role as an SNA.
You are required to outline each Act and examine how they apply in practice with examples.

• The Education Act 1998
• The National Disability Authority Act 1999
• The Education Welfare Act 2000
• The Equal Status Act 2000
  The Education for Person’s with Special Needs Act 2004

Section Four

This section of your project requires you to evaluate the findings of your project pieces 1, 2,3 and draw together logical conclusions with an emphasis on the following:

• The policy changes that led to integration and inclusion
• The shift in attitudes with reference to the social and medical models of disability
• The value of an inclusive education and policies

Section Five

This piece of your project requires you to demonstrate your ability to reflect and offer your views and opinions.

You are required to:

• Outline the value of significant National policies and pieces of legislation • Make recommendations to improve special needs provision in Ireland relating to gaps in current legislation and policy
• Give appropriate links to international policy in relation to children with special needs, justifying the creation of policies.
• With your new understanding of policy and legislation reflect on your attitudes, values, beliefs, and assumptions in relation to working with people who present with disabilities.

Please note: evidence of reflective thinking and analysis should be demonstrated.