Center for Advancement in Special Education of the University of Hong Kong inaugurated Wednesday.

A recent policy in integrated education in Hong Kong, which allows students who need special education to attend general schools, has created new challenges to teachers.

According to the university, there is an urgent call for research on theories and practice in special education in both the special and mainstream school settings. The establishment of the new center will therefore be a vital source of support to teachers in special and general schools.

The center aims at advancing research and services in special education and of providing an infra-structure to encourage synergies in carrying out research projects in the field of special education.

The establishment of this center also represents the university's commitment to better and appropriate education for children and youth with special education needs.

With the center, the university anticipates to increase visibility of the field and bring together resources which are currently scattered around the university and the wider community, and take the achievements and outcomes to new heights.

In order to advance the development of special education in Hong Kong, the center offers a wide range of services and tasks which include training, assessment and remedial services, etc.
 
(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2005)