The Association of Special Education Pedagogues in the Republic of Lithuania was established in 1998, January 28 in the inaugural meeting of the association of special educators.
The Association of Special Education Pedagogues in the Republic of Lithuania is an independent, non-political, voluntary public organization which unites special educators teachers, students, people with special needs, their families, researchers, dealing with the theoretical - practical point of view towards the important special education issues, inclusive education, preparing and carrying out programs and projects, participating in them, helping people with special educational needs, and actively participating in the general Education reform and its spread.
The mission of the Association is to coordinate the activities of the targeted experience sharing and training courses, to represent the general interests of the Republic and outside it, in collaboration with relevant ministries and non-governmental organizations and other organizations engaged in similar activities, also to improve the provision of special educational support for children with special needs in general and special education institutions.
The Association is based on the principles of democracy, transparency, legality, collegiality, the autonomy and responsibility. The Association establishes relations with Lithuanian and foreign associations, societies, organizations, operating in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, using mass media and means of communication to achieve its objectives. It organizes scientific - methodical literature publishing, scientific - practical conferences and seminars on special education issues, advises teachers, parents (caregivers) and children in special education issues, promotes cooperation between the Lithuanian special education teachers, according to the laws, and submits proposals to participate in the development and consideration of legislation and other laws related to special education.
The highest governing body of the Association - General Meeting. Between general meetings of the association is led by the general assembly elected council. The Association Council summarizes the proposals and creates the action program for two years. It prepares the amendments and supplements stated by the Special Education Association, it establishes the rules and conducts, coordinates the organization of activities of the association, as well as decides the spending issues, and elects the Council Secretary – Treasurer.
The Association cooperates with the University of Siauliai, the Association of Lithuanian Speech Therapists, Special Educator methodological groups and clubs.
The Projects of Association:
2009-2010 – The continuing state competition of pupils` creative works "I can, you also can" (http://spf.su.lt/asgaliu)
2011 – Organizers and implementer of the Project "The Development and Popularization of Special Pedagogues` Professional Activities" (http://www.lrspa.lt/index.php/lt/konkursai)
2012 – Organizers and implementer of the Project “The competition of Pedagogues (present and future) Computer Creative works “We Create and Share” (http://lrspa.lt/index.php/lt/konkursas-qkuriame-ir-dalinamesq-2012). Organizers and implementer of the Project “Application of of Information and Communication Technologies in the Process of Education of Children with Different Skill Level`s (http://lrspa.lt/index.php/lt/51-tarptautin-virtuali-mokslin-praktin-konferencija).
2012-2014 – Experts and participants of the Project “Safe Social Internet” (http://www.socialweb-socialwork.eu/content/sections/index.cfm/secid.18/secid2.20).
