The Effects of Compulsory Special Education on Welfare Policies for People with Disabilities

Abstract

This study examines the effects of compulsory Special Education for children with disabilities on welfare policy for people with disabilities ; in addition, it points out problems that may arise in the future in developing welfare policies for people with disabilities. The findings of the study reveal that during the 1990s, when special education schools were made mandatory, a steady increase was observed in the number of children with disabilities graduating from special schools for the disabled and also in the number of welfare facilities for people with disabilities. However, such welfare policies also caused problems for the children as they became adults, as many required welfare assistance. Awareness has subsequently been raised regarding the aging of people with disabilities and the problems of children with severe disabilities. The nature these problems remains unclear, a situation that is likely to create problems in developing welfare policies for people with disabilities.