This morning I had the pleasure of launching the discussion document for the Special Education Review at Evans Bay Intermediate School (EBIS) in Wellington. The launch marks the beginning of government consultation with the community about what the future of special education should look like.

Evans Bay Intermediate was a very fitting place to hold the launch as they are about to start building the Kimi Ora Special School satellite unit on their grounds. Principal Wendy Esera, the board of trustees, and the students are looking forward to the upcoming addition to their school. The unit will accommodate students with high physical needs while also including them in the mainstream school setting. It is these types of initiatives that I want to encourage.

I took the opportunity to remind the students that we all have our strengths and weaknesses, including students with special needs. Our talents aren't always obvious but it can be really rewarding to unearth these in each other. The unit will provide a great opportunity for all EBIS students to support and learn one another.

The discussion document provides the opportunity for parents, teachers, organisations, and the wider community to give feedback on how we can improve special education. Government is specifically interested in finding out how we can make sure schools feel confident to welcome any student, regardless of their needs, and what type of arrangements would make this possible. In addition, we are keen to hear about how we can ensure that funding is fair and efficient, how we can mange transitions effectively, and how to make sure that service provision is responsive.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to the future of special education and I encourage anyone with an interest in special education to make a submission.

You can download the document and make a submission online by visiting: http://www.minedu.govt.nz/theMinistry/Consultation/ReviewOfSpecialEducat.... Alternatively mail to: Review of Special Education Consultation, Ministry of Education, PO Box 166, Wellington 6140.