Source: European Parliament
The first strategic priority of the European Education Area is improving quality, equity, inclusion and success for all. The Commission supports Member States to address shortages in Special Needs Education and quality inclusive education, aligning with the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030[1].
The EU and Member States are parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)[2] yet the organisation of education systems, including actions on student diversity, is the responsibility of Member States[3] which limits scope for introducing common standards.
The Commission promotes inclusive education through initiatives such as Pathways to School Success[4], which promotes inclusion of learners with disabilities and/or special educational needs in mainstream schools, with support from educators and health professionals .
The Commission facilitates mutual learning via the European Education Area Working Groups on Equality and Values in Education and Training[5] and on Schools — Pathways to School Success[6].
Support is also extended under the Technical Support Instrument and the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (EASNIE).
Finally, Member States determine how school support roles are regulated and set access and training criteria.
- [1] https://epale.ec.europa.eu/en/content/ec-presents-union-equality-strategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2021-2030
- [2] https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities
- [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT
- [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022H1209%2801%29
- [5] https://wikis.ec.europa.eu/display/EAC/Equality+and+Values+Documents
- [6] https://wikis.ec.europa.eu/display/EAC/Pathways+to+School+Success+Documents