An international conference on special needs education has attracted researchers from America, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

Experts attending the International Conference of Special Education Research Cooperation in the Pacific Rim Area called for systematic international cooperation in the field of special needs education.

Mian Wang, associate professor of special education at Gevirtz Graduate School of Education, University of California, told China.org.cn that it was important to promote exchange among scholars and students.

"Researchers from different countries work on the same topics, but from different cultural, social and political perspectives. We need to see if there are any similarities or differences in terms of those perspectives."

"Something that has been successfully done in America, in New Zealand may be applicable to China or other developing countries."

The University of California, Santa Barbara, Beijing Union University and Harvard Law School are collaborating on developing community-based education models for disabled children in rural areas of Sichuan.

Wang said one of the issues being considered, together with local governments and schools, was whether children with special needs should be educated alongside other children.

Professor Wang said the primary aim of the conference is "to formally establish a 'Pacific Rim Research Center' on special education and disabilities studies."

Xu Jiacheng, dean of the College of Vocational and Special Education at Beijing Union University said "The Pacific Rim Center will establish a platform for us to achieve collaboration at different levels."

Xu Jiacheng, dean of the College of Vocational and Special Education at Beijing Union University, attends a planning meeting in Beijing, on May 27, 2010.

"Family support, early identification and inclusion are the three hottest research topics in the field of special needs education, and reflect the actual needs of China's special education."

It is the first time Beijing Union University has held such an international conference, Professor Xu told China.org.cn. The Beijing Municipal Government is assisting the university with funding.

Beijing Union University established a Beijing Special Education Innovation Team in 2004, to research special needs education practices.

The International Conference of Special Education Research Cooperation in the Pacific Rim Area takes place from May 27 to May 29. It has attracted researchers from America, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, as well as 300 staff from special needs schools, government agencies and NGOs in Beijing.