The Ministry of Education in UAE has formulated various provisions regarding education for the people of determination. Under the National Policy for Empowering People with Special Needs, individuals with special needs would be referred to as 'people of determination.' to acknowledge their achievements in different domains. A particular term, 'special education’ was devised in this context which refers to programs intended for determined people in order to help them attain their maximum potential.

Provision in education for people of determination

The UAE has made significant attempts to integrate determined individuals into regular education. It includes directing government schools to adapt to the demands of determined people and providing them with the most extraordinary educational services possible.

This was accomplished in November 2006 when the UAE signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol. In 2008, the Ministry created the People of Determination Department (formerly known as the Special Education Department) to protect the rights of students with disabilities and to provide them with equal opportunities as other students.

The newly amended law states that people with special needs are guaranteed equal access to education in all educational, vocational training and continuing education institutions, in regular or special classes, with material available in sign language, Braille, or other appropriate means. The Department of Special Education, founded by the Ministry of Education in 2008, is responsible for these children.

Services and facilities for determined students

Some of the facilities that are provided to determined students are:

1. Wheelchairs, ramps, and various amenities are arranged for students with physical disabilities.
2. Rooms like sensory and comprehensive rooms that would aid the student in learning.
3. Availability of unique human resources like special education teacher, teacher assistant, escort, sign language interpreter, Braille education specialist, etc.
4. Sessions for parents of such students that dealt with guiding and counseling.
5. Various devices and technologies that would assist in learning.

Many devices were brought based upon their need like ,

• Desktop magnifier for reading and writing, braille notes, and sensory bag to develop the sensory skills of the visually impaired student.
• Talking photo album and comprehensive talking Arabic language skills bag for Autistic children
• Frequency modulation (FM) system in the classrooms.

This initiative was not halted during Covid 19 pandemic and was made possible through distance learning via apps like Microsoft teams, Al diwan, etc.

Support centers

Various support centers are also present across the UAE to address the progress of determined students before and after the inclusion of such schools. Individual diagnosis of pupils with disabilities and learning issues, recommendations, assisting and supporting parents in dealing with their kid's situation, and guiding them to sources with suitable support services for their child are all services provided by these centers.

Additionally, the Community Development Authority (CDA) provides low-income families with disabled children with cash tuition assistance of up to AED 50,000 per year. An eligibility criterion is also set to avail this benefit which includes the following aspects:

• Applicants must be UAE nationals with a Dubai-issued family book (registration).
• A divorced woman or widow with children under 18 who has a family book issued by the Emirate of Dubai.
• Children of a widow with a family book issued by the Emirate of Dubai.
• The qualified person or dependant must reside in the Emirate of Dubai on a permanent basis.
• The eligible person's or dependent's monthly income must be less than the Benefit limit.

 

Centers for people of determination across the UAE

Many government and private organizations, centers, and clubs offer training and rehabilitation to determined individuals. Main centers for people of determination are:

• Abu Dhabi: Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO)-

The Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) is an umbrella organization that encompasses all humanitarian organizations, social services, people of determination institutions, and any future entities founded in Abu Dhabi for humanitarian purposes.

• Sharjah: Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS)-

Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) is a non-profit organization based in the emirate of Sharjah dedicated to supporting the UAE's determined citizens. SCHS serves more than 3,000 persons with determination from various countries and age groups each year under Sharjah's Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

Other centers are:

• Abu Dhabi: Future Centre -

The center is a non-profit organization established in Abu Dhabi specializing in the education and rehabilitation of determined individuals. It admits students of all countries from 3 to 20 years old and specializes in disabilities such as attention deficit disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autistic unity.

• Dubai: Al Noor -

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, graciously gifted the center. It is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and sponsorship to support the costs of operating our school and offering exceptional educational opportunities for our kids.

• Ras al Khaimah: ABA Centre for special needs -

The ABA Centre for Special Needs is a private, non-profit organization that provides a wide range of services to people with developmental disabilities, autism, pervasive developmental disorder, Asperger's syndrome, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental delays, down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other life-long challenges.

The 'National Policy for Empowering People of Determination' includes education as one of its foundations. The government will implement an integrative education system in public and vocational schools, adjusting school curricula to meet their demands.

By Ananya Gupta