Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced a groundbreaking policy that ensures inclusivity in schools. This policy mandates schools to accept students with special needs or learning disabilities, requiring them to provide detailed explanations if they cannot accommodate a student.
Key Policy Changes
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Mandatory Acceptance: Schools can no longer outright reject students with special needs. Instead, they must report any inability to accommodate a student to ADEK, which will review the case and determine whether the decision should be upheld or overturned.
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Evidence-Based Decisions: Schools must provide written evidence explaining their limitations. ADEK’s inclusion team will assess this evidence to ensure fair treatment.
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Support for Parents: Parents struggling to find placements for their children can seek assistance from ADEK’s customer happiness center. ADEK also offers pathways for students who may not thrive in mainstream environments, including specialized schools.
Enhanced Support Mechanisms
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Inclusion Teachers: ADEK has introduced fully qualified inclusion teachers to support students with additional learning needs. These teachers work alongside regular teachers to develop personalized learning plans.
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Inclusion Assistants: Previously known as shadow teachers, inclusion assistants are now only permitted to assist students in the classroom if needed for at least 50% of the school day.
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Assistive Technology: Schools can apply to ADEK for assistive technology, such as Braille machines, to support students with specific needs.
Compliance and Enforcement
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School Responsibilities: Schools must develop specialized inclusion teams to ensure that inclusion permeates every aspect of the school.
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Consequences for Non-Compliance: Schools that fail to comply with the policy may face fines and other penalties. They have until September 2026 to implement the new regulations.
