Special Needs Education in China with Andrew Hill

Andrew Hill first arrived in China thirty years ago and has since founded and managed several companies and received The Charity Star of Shanghai in 2010 for his service projects and charity work. He founded ELG to provide quality special needs education and therapy services in China – the first service of this nature in Shanghai – and is also the chairman of ELG’s sister NGO, Xiersen Children Service Centre. ELG has provided much-needed specialist therapy and behavioural services to thousands of children since its establishment in 2005. 

In this in-depth discussion, Andrew examines the landscape of private and international schooling in China and the various difficulties of sourcing and providing specialist therapy for children. Referencing the standard issue of individual education plans for special needs children in the US, he compares the competitive and high-achieving nature of Shanghai’s private and international schools and the inclusion issues this can give rise to. Recognising the relative absence of ELG’s services in China, Andrew also explains Xiersen’s efforts to foster training and equip support staff to those providing special needs services across China. Finally, he shares moving cases he has witnessed over the years and the inherently rewarding nature of his work.