Schools in Abu Dhabi are now required to provide inclusive education for all students, including those with special needs or learning disabilities. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has implemented a new inclusion policy that ensures schools cannot reject students without providing evidence of their inability to accommodate them. This policy mandates schools to report any such cases to ADEK, which will then review the situation and determine whether the school’s decision is justified. If ADEK believes the school can support the student, it may overturn the rejection decision.
ADEK’s inclusion policy extends beyond students with diagnosed needs, encouraging teachers to use inclusive practices for all students. The department has introduced fully qualified inclusion teachers to support students requiring extra help. These teachers may lead classrooms or work alongside regular teachers to develop individualized learning plans. Additionally, schools can apply for assistive technology through ADEK to support students with specific learning needs, such as visual disabilities.
Parents struggling to find placements for their children can seek assistance from ADEK’s customer happiness center. The policy also includes pathways for students who may not thrive in mainstream environments, offering placement in specialized schools. Schools that fail to comply with the inclusion policy face consequences, including fines, if they continue to refuse accommodation after being given a chance to comply.
ADEK’s efforts aim to create a more inclusive educational environment where every student has equal opportunities to learn and grow. The policy is part of a broader initiative to enhance educational standards in Abu Dhabi, with schools having until September 2026 to fully implement the new regulations. This shift towards inclusivity reflects a commitment to providing high-quality education that caters to diverse learning needs.
The inclusion policy also involves changing roles within schools, such as renaming shadow teachers as inclusion assistants, who are only permitted to assist students if needed for at least 50% of the school day. Schools are now required to develop specialized inclusion teams to ensure that inclusion permeates every aspect of school life.
Overall, ADEK’s new policy marks a significant step towards ensuring that all students in Abu Dhabi receive the support they need to succeed academically and personally.
