General Rules for the Provision of Special Education ...

[Pages:97]General Rules for the Provision of Special Education Programs and Services

(Public & Private Schools)

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the United Arab Emirates

School for All

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum Deputy President of the United Arab Emirates

School for All

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In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful!

The people of the United Arab Emirates have an enormous amount of concern for the needs of individuals with special needs which stems from our traditional cultural beliefs that emphasize a philosophy of social responsibility for the needs of all members of society. Therefore, having concern for the needs of individuals with special needs and being committed to helping them develop to their fullest potential is not only the responsibility of families of individuals with special needs. It is a duty for all members of society. Education is a resource which all members of society may utilize to develop to their maximum potential, therefore ensuring that individuals with special needs have equal access to a quality inclusive education is a priority for all members of society and requires that government authorities unite in our efforts to utilize our resources to meet the educational needs of individuals with special needs.

The philosophy of inclusive education in schools in the United Arab Emirates was envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and his brothers, the rulers of Emirates - May Allah protect them all - and supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy President of the UAE and Head of the Ministerial Council - May Allah protect him - and was transformed into Federal Law 29/2006 Regarding the Rights of Individuals With Special Needs. The law stipulates that "special needs in themselves are not an obstruction to joining or getting admission into an educational institution, no matter whether it is a public or private institution". This law shows the great compassion and concern that our noble leaders have for the needs of others and their belief that equal access to a quality education will help individuals with special needs develop to their full potential.

The Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates supports the national and international educational philosophy of inclusion, which means that being educated in regular education classrooms with peers in their age range, in their neighbourhood schools with necessary supports is the optimal environment to meet the educational, social, emotional and vocational needs of individuals with special needs.

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all individuals and organizations involved as we continue to unite together and strive to meet the challenges that lie ahead as we embark on this exciting journey of putting the philosophy of inclusion into practice in the United Arab Emirates.

Hameed Mohammed Al Qatamy Minister of Education

School for All

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