Policy Development: Special Education Services in Fiji

Abstract

People with disabilities have the same fundamental rights, freedoms and responsibilities as their non-disabled peers, and in terms of education, all students have the right to the most appropriate educational programmes available to meet their individual needs. Students with special needs often need specialized support services to provide them with opportunities to achieve their potential and to become contributing members of society in a dignified and meaningful way. Often, the promotion and delivery of effective and efficient special education services necessitate an active partnership between local and national governments and the community, and warrant the formulation of specific, clear and responsive policies. If the task of teachers and educators is to encourage in students high expectations for themselves, and a sense of mastery and control in enabling them to reach their educational goals, there is indeed a place for the provision of a carefully designed and well formulated education policy to facilitate such a task. This thesis examines the existing special education policy of the Ministry of Education in Fiji, with the goal of investigating its impact and influence on the delivery and practice of special education services in all special schools in the country, as well as the Special Education Unit in the Ministry's headquarters. The effect of this special education policy is explored within four contexts: existing service delivery systems, personnel and organizational development, international trends and practices, and policy developments. The author argues for participation by all special educators and policy-makers in active efforts to shape the future of special education in Fiji in ways that will promote best policies and practices for the education of all individuals wit a special needs, learning disabilities and difficulties. This thesis examines the existing special education policy of the Ministry of Education in Fiji, with the goal of investigating its impact and influence on the delivery and practice of special education services in all special services in the country, as well as the Special Education Unit in the Ministry's headquarters.