Reykjavík plans new special school to support children with disabilities as demand surges

Reykjavík City aims to open another special school in the city to prevent the exclusion of children with disabilities, though it is uncertain if this will be achieved by next autumn. The head of the education department emphasizes the importance of similar municipalities providing comparable services.

The current special school, Klettaskóli, has faced challenges this year, as it had to deny admission to students due to space constraints. Originally designed for up to 90 students, the school now accommodates 140. Helgi Grímsson, the head of the department, noted surprise that the number of denied applications was so high amidst a surge in student enrollment.

Specifically, Klettaskóli was unable to accommodate 11 children this year due to a growing influx of severely disabled and chronically ill students moving to the country from abroad. Out of 43 applications this autumn, 25 of the children were registered to reside in other municipalities, highlighting the need for increased services in the capital region.

Grímsson expressed hope that a new school could open by next autumn. The education department is actively working to address this increased demand and has potential facilities in mind that could be converted into a special school. However, various conditions must be met for this to happen.

Klettaskóli, operational since 2011 and replacing previous institutions, provides specialized classrooms for students with mobility challenges, equipped with ceiling lifts, as well as facilities for arts and crafts, a gym, and customized swimming pools.