Abu Dhabi, February 04: Over 2,000 special needs students are currently integrated into the mainstream education at public schools in Abu Dhabi.
According to Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), some 1,500 students with learning and speech difficulties have been integrated into Abu Dhabi public schools over the past two years in addition to the 616 students with visual, hearing, physical and mental impairments, as well as those with autism and hyperactivity who were enrolled earlier in these schools.
“Students with special needs are increasingly and continuously supported by the ADEC year after another. Five special education classrooms for deaf students have been opened this year across the ADEC schools while special education classroom assistants have been introduced for the first time to help educate students with severe and moderate disabilities,” Dr Al Khaili said at a workshop, which focused on the integration of special needs students.
Speaking to public educators at the workshop here on Tuesday, Dr Al Khaili noted the challenges of the integration process and its requirements, particularly in the need to increase the number of qualified special education teachers and the necessity to provide the required curriculum and assessment tools. However, he assured that the ADEC will “spare no effort” in ensuring that these students’ needs and welfare are appropriately addressed.
As part of these efforts, the council has supplied the students with advanced educational tools and learning aids, including smart boards, data shows, Braille printers, electronic magnification kits, portable magnifiers, talking calculator, Perkins Braille, tactile globe, Derbi Share language test kit, in addition to other tools.
Adult Emirati students with hearing impairment were also given 22 touch-screen laptops worth Dh132,000 as educational aid.
The council has also allocated 50 buses specifically designed for the transportation of physically impaired students, while school buildings and facilities have been modified to suit their learning environment.
“The ADEC is keen to ensure that all students are given equal opportunities to develop and best exploit their talents, skills and abilities. Integrating our special needs students into Abu Dhabi schools is an essential component of ADEC’s 10-year strategic plan for developing the educational system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi,” Dr Al Khaili stated. He noted that schools have a major role in implementing the council’s plans in this regard by having “better communication channels with parents to encourage them to get involved more in supporting their children’s learning and teaching”.
–Agencies–