Our background and history
SAALED is a non-profit Southern African organisation of educators, parents and professionals from a variety of disciplines, who are concerned with effective learning.
SAALED was founded more than 25 years ago. It was originally an association of academics and professionals interested in “learning disabilities”, ie psychoneurologically based impairments of the learning process. It has now extended its concern to all learners with special educational needs, whether the cause be a handicap within the child, a disabling environment, or the interaction between the two.
SAALED respects the dignity and rights of all learners and those concerned with their education and development.
SAALED believes that prevention and early intervention can make a difference to those with special educational needs.
SAALED believes that all forms of assistance to those with learning or educational difficulties should be done with the close co-operation of the home, school and community.
Our Aims
- To champion publicly the rights and needs of those with learning difficulties and to safeguard their interests.
- To influence policy in education, ensuring appropriate provision for all learners.
- To involve the families and care-givers of those with special educational needs.
- To enhance the work of professionals in this field by arranging meetings, workshops and conferences, producing publications and fostering interdisciplinary networks.
- To foster high standards of professional behaviour.
Our Vision
Teaching the Professionals of tomorrow
To facilitate the promotion and implementation of inclusive education through information, support, collaboration, advocacy and training
To inform and educate teachers on learning and educational difficulties ensuring that all learners, with and without disabilities, pursue their learning potential to the fullest.
Upcoming
Events
2023 Annual Seminar
The SAALED Annual Seminar and networking event will take place on Thursday 25 May 2023 at St Stithians Girls’ Preparatory School.
Light lunch and networking – 12:00 – 12:30
Welcome – 12:30 – 12:40
Nicola Winson – 12:40 – 13:40 – “Understanding the Neurodiversity of learners in the classroom.”
14:00 – 15:00 – Natalie Herb – “Hearing beyond the words.”
15:00 – 15:30 – Refreshments and networking
15:30 – 16:30 – Casha Meintjies – “Eyes on track”
16:30 – 16:40 – Closure
To book for this not to be missed event, please click on the link.
Events in 2023
Committee Members
Years Established
Non-Discrimination Policy
SAALED does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our members. View our Privacy Policy here.