21st century education, care and support for children and adults with a disability in Flanders (Belgium)

At the turn of the 2l st century, substantial changes are taking place in Flanders (Belgium) with regard to the organization of education, care and support for people with disabiliîies. Overall, these changes are the result of new theoreticat insighr ãnd changed perspectives on disabilities: shift towards q social-ecological approach, supports paradigm and quality of life. The so-called "M-Decree" and Perspective 2020 qre the two most important reforms currently taking place in Flanders. The "M-Decree", a reþrm plan for special education which was approved in the Flemish Parliament in 2014, now wants to make a radical shift and aims at mainstreaming students with special needs in primary and se:condary education. Untilt now, the r"gr"gãrcd rpecial school remained the dominant type of education. Second, Perspective 2020, a policy plan lounched in 2010, aims at the active inclusion andfull participation of peopte with disabilities in society. This plan contains a centralfocus on the client and his/her network, stimulates person-centered support processes and plans through more individualizedfunding and induces a shiftfrom a supply-oriented model of care and support towards a demand-oriented model. Both ìeþrms are currently being implemented and will result in important changes, opportunities and challenges during the coming years.

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