The education of students with an intellectual disability in the People's Republic of China: some observations

The education of students with special needs seems to have developed in China along much the same lines as in most other countries, although at a much slower rate. In the late 1800s, for example, special provisions were made for children with vision and hearing impairments, but it was not until the 1980s that interest was shown in children with an intellectual disability. This paper outlines the manner in which education is provided for children with an intellectual disability in the People's Republic. The programmes being offered in two special primary schools and in a special kindergarten are described which appear to be typical of the current approaches being employed.