Mrs Sally Jackson, of Waikanae, MNZM, for services to special education
Sally Jackson pioneered work on learning design for children with autism, including an assessment class at Naenae School in Wellington, to determine the supports needed to enable children with additional learning needs to be included in classes with their peers.
She was project manager for implementation of the ‘Special Education 2000’ policy, which aimed to create a fully inclusive education system in Aotearoa.
She was inaugural Board of Trustees Deputy Chairperson at Upper Hutt College. She has led the Ministry of Education’s engagement with the disability sector as Chief Advisor Learning Support.
Mrs Jackson initiated the development of the First Signs programme for deaf children to develop early language.