topics
tools
editor's choice

How to assimilate

Crime and the legal system in Switzerland

Major museums in Switzerland

Culture and social etiquette in Switzerland

How to open a Swiss bank account

Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.44 0.28
DAX 6339.94 0.38
IBEX 30 6543 0.13
CAC 40 3047.94 0.32
FTSE 100 5351.53 0.03
AEX 292.76 0.23
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13154.8 0.36
TSX Composite 11576.47 0.09
ASX 4081.2 -0.61
Hang seng 18713.41 0.25
Straits Times 2772.75 -0.24
ISEQ 20 500.94 1.55
You are here: Home Health & Fitness Healthcare Special needs in Switzerland
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


28/09/2011Special needs in Switzerland

Special needs in Switzerland Meeting the educational, legal and financial needs of those with disabilities in Switzerland.

Special needs education in Switzerland implies that general compulsory education applies also to children and youngsters with visual or hearing impairments, physical and learning disabilities, mental retardation, and speech and behavioural disorders.

In Switzerland, the cantons are responsible for special needs education. There are about 100 centres for early childhood special education. Associations and foundations, as well as municipal and cantonal authorities sponsor these centres.

The special needs schooling consists of the following:

  • Special needs schools subsidised by invalidity insurance
  • Special needs classes closely linked to the regular school. These are only available in some cantons
  • Outpatient help, guidance and therapy counselling

The first type of education is applicable to youths with mental impairments, physical disabilities, behaviour disorders, deafness, and visual impairments. The schooling is subsidized by invalidity insurance.

The second type of special needs education provides introductory classes for compulsory education, classes with a limited number of students in primary education, transition courses, or classes offering learning of manual activities. These special courses and schools are not available in all the Swiss cantons.

Finally, outpatient help and therapy counselling includes specialised teaching support, speech therapy, treatment of dyslexia, therapeutic exercise and physiological counselling.


Legal requirements

Legal regulations for the education of the disabled are contained in cantonal education and school laws. The Federal Law on Overcoming the Inequalities affecting Handicapped People (LHand) guarantees equality of rights. It was first enforced in January 2004.


Financing
Special needs schooling is mostly financed by the cantons and invalidity insurance. The latter can be claimed where there are physical or mental injuries to health caused by birth, illness, or accident.

For further information on special needs education in Switzerland, consult the following:

  • Swiss Institute for Special Education (Lausanne)  +41 (0)21 653 68 77
  • Service Médico Pédagogique (Geneva)   +41 (0)22 327 43 91
[Expatica, 2008]


0 reactions to this article

0 reactions to this article

Discussion Forums

Finding your way in Switzerland

Trekking and Backpacking

Community Noticeboard Switzerland

Let's coach..Saturday.Free.In English.

Finding your way in Switzerland

Chinese Nanny (Ayi) wanted

Finding your way in Switzerland

Need Househelp who prepares Thai food

Student forum Switzerland

@SAP Business Objects Online Training in Netherlands by SAP BOSS

participate in the forums

ask your question
find the business you need
Inside Expatica
Residence and work permits in Switzerland

Residence and work permits in Switzerland

How to apply for a residency or work permit in Switzerland for you and your family.

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

How to rent and buy a house in Switzerland

Information about renting property and obtaining a mortgage in Switzerland.

Switzerland's healthcare system

Switzerland's healthcare system

Information about the Swiss healthcare system, health insurance, pharmacies and emergency numbers.

Banking in Switzerland

Banking in Switzerland

Explaining Swiss currency, banknotes, credit cards and bureaux de change.