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Thailand is one of the South East Asian countries undergoing major economical and social changes. On the verge of becoming industrialized, it has a literacy rate of 91% which is well above international standards. Yet, handicapped people have very limited educational opportunities. Less than 4% of handicapped children in Thailand have access to education. / The purpose of this study is to determine specific needs of special education by comparing findings from agencies visited such as schools, foundations, government and non government organizations, with government policies. / The educational system is studied and special education policies described. A look at implemented laws shows that the government recognizes its responsibility towards the handicapped; it is also pointed out that the major causes for handicaps are generally due to avoidable situations. Finally, special government projects are highlighted and suggestions are submitted for future developments.

In Burkina Faso, French is the language of instruction at all levels of the educational system. / The most recent research in linguistics suggests that it is preferable to teach linguistic minorities in their first language. This is particularly applicable in Burkina Faso, where over sixty national languages are used by different minority groups. / This thesis outlines both the background and the problems of implementing such a policy in Burkina Faso. Using the contingency theory, and within the constraints of the local environment, it suggests possible scenarios for the introduction of instruction in national languages at the primary level. / The thesis demonstrates that the introduction of educational reform in Burkina Faso including the teaching in national languages would not only be innovative but would require implementation in a very uncertain environment. Given these serious limitations, an adaptive management strategy is suggested. This particular strategy requires a constant task adjustment based on the experience of the participants and within the context of decentralised decision making. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)