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The existing situation was decisively changed by legislation in 1993. Then it was decreed that every disabled child has the right to go to a local primary school. Parents are free to choose whether to send their disabled child to primary school or to a special school.

This is an important step on the way towards the integration of disabled people into our society. Living and learning in one community are basic features of human existence.

The new legislation should have led to some changes in the educational practice. A look at the actual figures is disappointing, however, as they fail to show the impact of this legislation. This is so because Austria went through an extended trial period in the special needs sector which involved so many pupils and schools as to have no relevant data prior to 1993. In this way, the transition was well prepared.

The rights of children with special educational needs require clarification based upon whether a child falls into one of two categories or definitions of need. These definitions have considerable effect upon the kind of special provision and the funding available to that child.

Category 1: Children with certified special educational needs have the legal possibility (15^th amendment 1993, primary schools and 17th amendment, lower level secondary schools) to attend either a special or a mainstream school with additional support. This decision is taken by the school district board upon the application of the parents, the head teacher of the school or by the board itself with reference to expert opinions.

Category 2: Children with special educational needs, but without certification (such as speech impediments, behaviour problems, visual or hearing impairments) are offered "outpatient" provision by the Special Mobile Service in or outside classrooms.

If you would like to study the text of the relevant legal passages in the German original , click here.

Home Tasks General situation Paradigm change Models Legislation Identification Integrative education Special Schools Special Centres Training Facts and Figures   References