The Institute of Special Needs Education and Rehabilitation of School I - School of Educational and Social Sciences has been in existence since 1975 and began its study programme in 1976. Alongside Hanover, the University of Oldenburg is one of two study locations in the Federal State of Lower Saxony where students can study special needs education and special needs teacher training.

The Institute of Special Needs Education and Rehabilitation has set itself the task of contributing to the prevention of disabilities, the reduction of their effects and the promotion and everyday participation of people of all ages through research, teaching and further education. The Institute focuses on empirical-applied research for evidence-based special education and rehabilitation practice in prevention, intervention and rehabilitation.

The Institute's research activities support the School's profile, "Participation and Education", and pursue it under the following special education priorities:

Study capacities in special education have gradually increased in Oldenburg over the past 40 years. A decision by the state government of Lower Saxony in 2015 led to the continuous expansion of study capacity in the subject of special needs education with the aim of doubling the number of study places. One of the reasons behind this decision was the increasing demand for special needs teachers in the context of a developing inclusive education system. Special Needs Education is one of the largest subjects at the University of Oldenburg and the Institute of Special Needs Education and Rehabilitation has developed into the institute with the most students at the University of Oldenburg.