Canarias Enhances Support for Students with Special Needs Through Expanded Resources

In a significant move to bolster the educational support system, the Government of the Canary Islands has announced a substantial increase in resources dedicated to students with special educational needs. This initiative, detailed by Poli Suárez, the regional head of the Education Department, reflects a commitment to inclusivity and equity in education.

Increased Support for Students with Special Needs

As of the current academic year, the Canary Islands are providing extraordinary resources to over 4,689 students with special educational needs, a notable increase of 1,689 students compared to the previous year. This expansion is part of a broader effort that has seen the number of students receiving such support more than double in recent years.

Expanded Personnel and Resources

To meet the growing demand, the Education Department has contracted 1,076 non-teaching professionals, including auxiliaries in nursing, workshop assistants, and specialists in Spanish sign language. The number of nursing auxiliaries has risen from 169 in the previous year to 215, while the number of workshop assistants has increased from 96 to 108, and specialists in Spanish sign language have grown from 7 to 18. Additional personnel include caregivers, nursing staff, and physiotherapists.

These professionals are primarily employed through the company Aeromédica, although some are also hired through the General Technical Secretariat. The department is continuously seeking additional staff to ensure comprehensive support for students with special needs.

Addressing Past Challenges

Poli Suárez highlighted that upon taking office in July 2023, the service for providing auxiliary resources to students with disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), severe behavioral disorders, or special health conditions was found to be in a state of nullity since March 2021. The previous management model had led to an exponential increase in the budget, rising from €3 million in 2016 to €10 million in 2020 and €13 million in 2022, eventually surpassing €16 million in 2023.

Future Improvements

Suárez emphasized the need for several improvements, including the update of the normative framework for specific educational support needs (NEAE) to provide more facilities and support for families and students. Another key area is the tendering of a new contract for the personnel attending to these students, aiming to rectify the current nullity and enable Canarias to access up to 85% of European funds, thereby reaching more students.

The department is also advocating for greater autonomy for educational centers in addressing the needs of their students, both with ordinary resources and, when necessary, with extraordinary reinforcements. This approach is crucial given the increasing number of students with special educational needs.

Commitment to Inclusion

The Education Department's efforts are part of a broader commitment to educational inclusion and equity. By investing in these resources rather than merely incurring expenses, the government aims to ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive. This initiative aligns with the overall goal of promoting healthy and inclusive educational environments across the Canary Islands.