Education and Development of Children with Special Educational Needs in Transcarpathia and Hajdú-Bihar Country

Abstract

Background and objectives: The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the educational systems serving children with special educational needs in Transcarpathia and Hajdú-Bihar County. The research focuses on the theoretical and practical implementation of institutional education and diagnostic procedures, with particular attention to the situation of Hungarian communities living beyond the borders.

Methods: The methodology is based on both secondary and primary data collection. The secondary research involved the analysis of domestic and international academic literature, legislation, and education policy documents. During the primary research, semi-structured interviews were conducted, resulting in the collection of reports from 42 participants.

Results: According to the findings, the Hungarian support system for special education needs children is more structured and more strictly regulated by law. In contrast, the provision of services for children with special educational needs in Transcarpathia is inadequate: the shortage of professionals, underdeveloped infrastructure, and challenges associated with bilingual education pose significant barriers. Based on parental feedback, experiences in Hungary were reported as more positive.

Conclusion: In its conclusion, the study highlights that improving the special education services available to Hungarian communities beyond the borders requires expanded access to qualified professionals, reliable information, and targeted development programmes.