Estonia special education glossary
Plain-English glossary for families navigating special and inclusive education in Estonia.
Use this guide to prepare questions and evidence, then confirm current requirements with the school and the responsible national, regional or local education authority.
Key terms
This glossary explains terms used on Special Education Path in plain English. It does not claim that every term is the formal term used in Estonia. Record the exact local terminology used by your school or authority.
Additional educational needs
A broad parent-friendly phrase used here for barriers or needs requiring support beyond ordinary classroom approaches; the formal local term may differ.
Assessment
A process for gathering information about a learner’s needs, strengths and barriers. The decision-maker and legal status vary by country.
Accommodation / adjustment
A change to access, teaching, environment, communication or assessment intended to reduce a barrier to participation.
Inclusive education
Education designed so learners can participate meaningfully with appropriate support; national definitions and implementation differ.
Individual support plan
A generic phrase used on this site for a written plan describing needs, support, outcomes and review. It is not the name of one Europe-wide legal document.
Mainstream education
Education in ordinary schools/classes. The relationship with specialist provision varies by system.
Parent participation
The involvement of parents or carers in decisions, planning and review. Formal rights and procedures are country-specific.
Reasonable adjustment
A commonly used disability-access concept, but the exact legal terminology and duties depend on the jurisdiction.
Review
A planned reconsideration of needs, support, progress or a formal decision.
Special educational needs (SEN)
A term used differently across European systems. Some countries use disability, support-needs or other classifications instead.
Specialist provision
Additional expertise, services, classes or settings used to support learners whose needs require more specialised input.
Transition planning
Preparation for a change of class, school, phase or post-school destination, including transfer of support information.
Check the current framework
The European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education provides country information, national contacts and links to current policy sources. Rules and terminology can change and may differ within a country.