The Institute of Special Educators has been established to enhance the status of Special Educators. Our aim is to improve the quality of special education in Australia, including special education for infants and young children, children and young adults in school programs, adults in tertiary education, job support programs, post school activity programs and other services designed to improve quality of life. For too long Special Educators in Australia have been disadvantaged because, unlike groups such as therapists and psychologists, they have not been recognised as a “profession”. InSpEd has been established to address this failing and will do so primarily by recognising the approved qualifications and experiences of Special Educators, providing qualified applicants with “certification” and ensuring that members maintain their professional knowledge and skills through InSpEd endorsed ongoing professional learning.