Critical Review of Special Needs Education Provision in Malaysia: Discussing Significant Issues and Challenges Faced

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article provides a critical review and analysis of literature on the development of Malaysians’ special needs education provision (SNEP) for adults and young children with disabilities (AYCWD). Specifically, it highlights the emergence and development of special education practices and services as well as the providers of these programs within the context of Malaysia. The significant issues relevant to education services, vocational training and employment, early identification and intervention programs, preparations of special education teachers, early intervention, inclusive education practices, training of teachers and challenges faced by AYCWD were also discussed. The findings show that there are many challenges, including infrastructural obstacles and inadequate learning resources, shortage of relevant training, limited cooperation, limited funding, and shortage of comprehensive and standardised data on all aspects of SNEP in Malaysia. The implications of these challenges and suggestions for improvement of the current SNEP were also outlined in this review.