The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs stated in Horta that the Government of the Azores considers the role of early intervention and educational support of "utmost importance," since it provides "all the conditions that children need to develop their full potential."

Isabel Rodrigues spoke at the Legislative Assembly during a debate on the amendments to the legal framework on Special Education and Educational Support. 

Following the amendments approved, early intervention early intervention will be extended to the entry into compulsory education in situations when the child does not attend preschool or is enrolled at a private education establishment without a support team.

Isabel Rodrigues assured that the Government of the Azores is "deeply committed to the proper operation of the education system and its continuous improvement."

In this context, the Government has moved forward with the reorganisation of early intervention, which involves three key areas: Health, Education and Social Solidarity. There are early interventions teams covering all municipalities in the Region. Under the reorganisation process, the Government is developing training courses for all early intervention teams.

The Government is also committed to continuously assessing the way how system structures are working and responding to the needs of children.

"Should there be the need to make some adjustments, following the evaluation of this system, the Government is here to make the changes that are necessary," ensured Isabel Rodrigues. However, the government official warned that "the quality of the response also depends of the non-overlap of interventions. In fact, it should address the nest interests of the child."

With regard to educational support, Isabel Rodrigues stressed the pride of "having an inclusive school in the Azores."

"Our school leaves no one at the door and does not neglect anyone, regardless of their personal circumstances. This is not what is happening in Mainland Portugal, where the publication of a controversial ordinance based on a profoundly discriminatory assumption is pushing these youngsters out of the school," said the government official.

In her speech, the Regional Secretariat stressed the number of special education teachers grew in the Azores in the school year 2014/2015.The ongoing special teaching application provides 29 vacancies for Special Education teachers, who "awarded the same priority level than that of Mathematics or Portuguese teachers."

In addition, a technical team of the Regional Government is visiting all school establishments to assess the important aspects to permanently ensure that the system is responding to the needs. This work is expected to be completed this year.
 
"The ability of children to develop skills, access knowledge and have the opportunity to achieve their personal and professional fulfilment depends on the work we can do. This work is done either by minimising, preventing and solving problems in an early stage of life or by the maintaining support throughout their lives," said the government official.
 
"The Government is deeply committed to continue this work. For us, social inclusion is a goal to be accomplished. Equality of opportunities is something we are obliged to ensure and we will continue to work in order achieve this purpose," said Isabel Rodrigues.