www.nasen.org.uk

NASEN promotes the education, training, advancement and development of all those with special educational needs. Children with special educational needs all have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to access or process information at the same level as their peers. Such children may require additional assistance and guidance with a variety of needs, such as in thinking and understanding, physical or sensory difficulties, behavioural and emotional difficulties, or difficulties with speech and language or how they relate to and behave with other people.

Nasen (the National Association for Special Needs Education) was created in 1992 through the merging of the National Association for Remedial Education (NARE) and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). Their objective in this fusion was to amplify their objectives through the projection of a single unified voice campaigning for, and raising awareness of the educational requirements of the special needs sector. It is the UK’s primary organisation seeking to enhance the education, training, advancement and development of all those with special educational needs.

Nasen bases its policies around a series of central mission statements which emphasise the fundamental importance of a recognition of individuality in learning. The organisation also promotes awareness of, and provides a forum for discussion about the specific requirements of the special needs education sector. Nasen also aim to encourage the development of policy concerning special needs education at local, national and international level.

NASEN is able to access a wide audience through readership of its journals such as the British Journal of Special Education - JORSEN - and Support for Learning among others. Both are available with a discount to members of NASEN. Its website provides a comprehensive guide to the organisation, and can be viewed in various formats and colours in order to enable access to all users regardless of particular requirements

With the contribution of a subscription fee, carers and supporters of young people with special needs are able to become members of Nasen in order to gain support.

Nasen arrange events and training courses that aim to develop the skills of educators in teaching specific subjects to young people with special needs. Educational material such as books ad packs for teachers are also made available for purchase through the Nasen website.

There are local branches of Nasen throughout the UK, which hold events and run campaigns independent form the association as a whole. Each branch with a membership of 30 or more members is entitled to elect a representative to become its member of the General Assembly, the governing body of the association. All officers are accountable to, and all matters reported to the General Assembly.

www.nasen.org.uk