"The new model presented in special education"

Mr. Byung Ho Jangle, principal of jaecheon Cheongam School conducts individual education according to a student's aptitude, innovative special education that embraces from kindergarten to vocational education, and employment program, and also introduced the latest facilities for disabled students to further advance special education.

Since he was appointed as a teacher at a special school in Seoul, Mr. jang decided to devote himself to special education and even acquired a doctorate. To overcome difficult realities faced by special education and to put into practice his will to run a special school of the highest standard, Mr. Jang prepared to establish a special school in his hometown by donating his fortune. In the early stages of establishment, he had to face the opposition of the residents in the neighborhood who voiced concerns against developing the site into a school. However, in 1992, after overcoming various difficulties, he was able to finally build jaecheon Chungam School where disabled students can be educated in optimized environment and facilities.

Mr. jang educated his students, focusing his devotion and affection on the health of the students from the very beginning. He did not forget to encourage and pay attention to the students so that they could adapt themselves better to the everyday life and social life. He also built two dormitories for students with mild disabilities and those with severe disabilities for students from faraway regions, and allowed student's to gain a school education and rehabilitation side by side.

He has also established a vocational training center for graduates to lead a stable life and be economically independent by letting them make and sell barbola works, breads and gloves within the school facilities.

Furthermore, in order to provide his students appropriate guidance for everyday life and to allow them to develop their personalities, he intensified field study for disabled students with volunteers from general high schools. He has also developed diverse and distinctive educational programs including aptitude education, performance communities and sports activities.

Other than being a principal of a special school, Mr. Jang served as chairman of the Korean Association for Special Education. During his tenure, he endeavored to prepare long-term development plans for special education, revise the curriculum for special schools, and amend the Special Education Promotion Act, in order to further develop special education in Korea. The committee expects that his work, including the establishment of a corporation near Jaecheon Chungam School where disabled students can work, will ever deepen for the betterment of special education and the welfare of disabled students.