erityistarpeensa

Erityistarpeensa is a Finnish noun phrase meaning "their special needs" and is formed from the noun erityistarve (special need) with the possessive suffix -ensa/-nsä, which marks ownership in the third person. The phrase is commonly used in Finnish to refer to the set of needs that a person requires to participate in education, work, or daily life beyond what is provided as standard. In practice, it appears in sentences such as "oppilaan erityistarpeensa huomioitiin opetuksessa" (the pupil's special needs were taken into account in teaching).

The base term eriyistarve can be pluralized as eriyistarpeet to refer to multiple needs. In educational and social contexts, discussions about eriyistarpeet often involve assessment processes to determine appropriate support, such as accommodations or individualized support plans. The phrase is used regardless of the possessor (for example, a pupil, a refugee learner, or a worker) as long as the context clarifies whose needs are being discussed.

In policy discourse, Finnish authorities emphasize identifying and addressing eriyistarpeensa to promote equal access and participation. The term is part of a broader vocabulary around disability rights, inclusive education, and social support.

See also: erityistarpeet, erityisopetus, tehostettu tuki, osallisuus, yhdenvertaisuus.