KHON KAEN – Khon Kaen University (KKU) has launched the second phase of a major initiative to implement its educational innovations for students with special needs, expanding the program’s reach to 79 schools throughout Khon Kaen province.
The expansion was announced at a workshop held on August 3, 2025, at the Rajawadee Resort & Hotel. The event was presided over by Khon Kaen Vice Governor Panthep Saokosol, alongside senior university officials including Prof. Dr. Thidarut Boonmars, Vice President for Enterprise and Sustainable Society, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isara Kanjak, Dean of the Faculty of Education.
This second phase builds on the success of the initial project in 2024, which was supported by the Fund for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The program aims to roll out 19 patented and copyrighted educational innovations developed by the KKU Demonstration School’s Special Education Division.
Vice Governor Panthep Saokosol praised the initiative, noting its positive reception from teachers, caregivers, parents, and students with special needs. “This event will help participants understand these educational innovations, share best practices, and build a collaborative network for the continuous development of special education,” he said.
The project targets 200 participants, including 40 students with special needs and 140 teachers, caregivers, and parents from the 79 network schools.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Isara Kanjak stated that the project aligns with the Faculty of Education’s vision to be a national leader in educational innovation. “We believe quality education is a right for every child,” he said. “Our innovations focus on creating an inclusive system that addresses learner diversity through accessibility, personnel development, research, and community outreach.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Sarawut Jakpeng stated that the workshop targets a group of 200 people, including 40 students with special needs, 140 teachers, caregivers, educational personnel, special education students, and parents from 79 schools, along with 20 committee members.
He noted that the instructors are faculty from the Special Education Division who have created patented and copyrighted innovations in the field. “The activities include lectures, practical sessions, and knowledge sharing,” he explained. “Innovations and learning tools suitable for students with special needs will be presented to ensure that our special education efforts are continuous and increasingly effective.”
The initiative is also a key part of KKU’s 2025-2028 strategic plan for academic service and supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting educational equality.
“This project is part of KKU’s larger plan to address educational disparity and sustainably improve the quality of life for people with disabilities,” said Prof. Dr. Thidarut Boonmars. She outlined the project’s progression, from a pilot with four innovations in 34 schools in 2024 to the current expansion. The university plans to extend the program to other provinces in Northeastern Thailand in the future.
