The controversy over Special Education Centres (SEC) seems to have calmed down, but it is worth remembering that it is not new. It was already raised at the beginning of the decade, it has now returned with greater media presence and, hopefully, it will be repeated in the future.
When it comes to people with disabilities, the aim is generally to “put them at the centre”, it is their needs that must set the guidelines to follow, but in this matter they seem to be forgotten. Questions as simple as the individuality of each person, the resources available and the reality in which we operate are left aside to impose theoretical models whose only result has been to achieve confrontation.
We are all different and need different things, so it does not seem reasonable to limit access to any means that allow us to develop our potential.
The resources dedicated to social action are limited and demographic developments lead us to foresee a discouraging future in this regard. Therefore, promoting actions whose immediate consequence is the need for more resources does not seem sensible, and this does not mean that we should resign ourselves. On the contrary, we must continue to advance in the social field and in obtaining more resources for this, but being aware of the reality that we have to live and that the responses must be sustainable, and therefore viable.
Inclusive Education and Special Education are not mutually exclusive, they are complementary and attempt to respond to different situations with the aim of improving the quality of life of those who are most vulnerable. Each person has what they need.
Javier Martinez Erdonzain
June 9, 2019