School for All: Implementing Inclusive Education in the United Arab Emirates

• In Event: 58.051 - The Diversity of Exceptional Learners: Inclusive and Innovative Practices

Abstract

The question of how knowledge and action can work together to achieve equal educational opportunity for ALL children is a shared global concern. In 2010 United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Education (MOE) launched the ‘School for All’ initiative to provide equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities in regular classroom settings. This qualitative case study examines the implementation and progress of ‘School for All’ at three Emirati primary schools. Data were collected over a school year from interviews, observations and related documents. Informed by the legal and theoretical frameworks of inclusive education, the project identified improved access to mainstream classrooms and acknowledged persisting challenges regarding teacher training, support services and policy conflicts.

Authors

• Catherine M. Hill, American University in Dubai

• Nadera Emran Alborno, American University in Dubai