SAALED

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About SAALED (Southern African Association For Learning and Educational Difficulties)

SAALED is the leading Southern African organization concerned with the field of special educational needs.  Founded 30 years ago, it is a non-profit making association of parents and professionals with a strong community orientation.

Over the years SAALED has played an important advocacy role in respect of learners with special educational needs and has engaged in policy development at national and regional levels.

SAALED has well-established organizational structure consisting of a national office and branches in different areas, supported by a website (www.saaled.org.za).  Through its Newsletters and Conferences it provides information on research in the field and on current educational trends.

SAALED believes that ...

• The dignity and rights of all learners are always to be respected.
• All children, youth and adults can learn but some have difficulty accessing appropriate education and may need assistance and guidance in selecting directions and learning techniques.
• A healthy and positive learning environment in the home, in the classroom and in schools must be promoted to minimize the incidence of special educational needs.
• Early identification and appropriate intervention by parents, teachers and other professionals can make a difference to those with special needs.
• Effective intervention for learning support involves collaboration of parents, teachers and other professionals and, most importantly, the learners themselves.

• To champion publicly the rights and needs of those with special educational needs and to safeguard their interests;
• To influence policy development in education, to ensure appropriate provision for all learners;
• To promote professional development in the field of special educational needs;
• To promote multi-disciplinary collaboration and the sharing of expertise in the field of special educational needs;
• To inform parents, caregivers and professionals regarding recent research and policy debates;
• To disseminate information and increase public understanding of the field of special educational needs.