Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Foundation (EF) will be funding a 14-month research for children with special needs in government schools.
The idea of funding a project to provide schools for children with special needs was inspired from the growing need to provide special needs children with education and integrate them into society.
This directive was issued specifically to organise and protect the rights of citizens with special needs under Federal Law No 29/2006.
The research will be conducted by Dr Eman Gaad, Programme Director, Institute of Education at the British Universities in Dubai (BUiD), who has been working in the special needs education field for more than 13 years and is in the process of establishing a pilot project under ‘needs assessment’ to determine the practical requirements of schools, in order for them to accept special needs’ children.
Dr Ga’ad began her career in Egypt, as a teacher for students with special needs. She has been researching and working with the special needs people in both government and private schools in the UAE for eight years. For the past four years she has been investigating inclusion, and is continuing her field study work alongside her academic responsibilities.
She is currently involved in developing a plan to guide service providers in meeting children’s needs at schools as well as a matrix for further national research. “I look forward to implementing this pioneering research project to develop the quality of life of individuals with special needs. The Emirates Foundation is setting a fine example in such an important area,” she said.
According to Kholoud Al Nuwais, EF Director of Projects, careful research is required to ensure cooperation between schools, teachers and parents to help all parties take a clearer view of the investment to be made in time and facilities.
Dr Abdulla Al Shamsi, Vice Chancellor of BUiD, commented: “The British University in Dubai would like to thank Emirates Foundation for funding this initiative. The Foundation has not only shown its commitment towards the UAE’s social development, but also its support for those with special needs. We look forward to working closely with the Foundation and supporting its noble initiatives for building a stronger future for the UAE.”
By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter
Page last updated 01 January 2020