The history of special needs education in Ireland is a long and complex one, with roots dating back to the 19th century. At this time, children with disabilities were often viewed as being a burden on society and were often institutionalized or even abandoned. It was not until the 20th century that attitudes towards special needs education began to change, and that children with disabilities were recognized as having the right to an education.
In the early 20th century, the Irish government began to invest in special education, and the first special school was established in Dublin in 1906. This school was called the National School for the Deaf, and it was followed by the National School for the Blind in 1909. These schools were established to provide education for children with hearing and visual impairments, and they were the first of their kind in Ireland.
In the decades that followed, more and more special schools were established, and the Irish government began to invest more heavily in special education. In the 1960s, the government passed the Education Act, which established a system of special education in Ireland. This act recognized the right of all children, including those with disabilities, to an education. It also established a system of grants and other financial support to help families pay for the education of their children with special needs.
In the decades that followed, the Irish government continued to invest in special education, and the number of special schools and classes in mainstream schools increased. In the 1990s, the government passed the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, which further strengthened the rights of children with special needs to an education. This act also established a system of assessments and supports for children with special needs, and it provided funding for special education teachers and other support staff.
Today, special needs education in Ireland is a well-established and well-funded system, and children with disabilities are recognized as having the right to an education that meets their individual needs. While there is still work to be done to ensure that all children with special needs receive the education they deserve, the progress that has been made over the past century is significant, and the future looks bright for children with special needs in Ireland.