Laws and Policies in Special Education-UAE

What are the laws and regulations that UAE using to impact special education in schools:

The UAE federal and Dubai based legal frameworks are pivotal to the successful implementation of the Dubai inclusive education strategy. These frameworks strengthen the impact of policy and establish a robust system of regulation and enforcement. This ensures that statutory obligations lead to the achievement of international standards of inclusive practice. Specific reference to supporting legislation include:

• Federal Law n. 29/2006 (articles. 12, 13, 14 and 15) and its updates in 2009: In 2006 the UAE passed a decree that protected the rights of people with disabilities and mandated that appropriate modifications, adaptations and techniques be used in all educational institutions. The Federal Law is linked with the commitments made in the UNCRPD (2006).

• United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD, 2008; 2010): The UNCRPD is a legally binding international human rights treaty for people with disabilities. The UAE signed the UNCRPD in 2008 and ratified its status in 2010.

• Dubai Law No. 2, 2014: In 2014, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. (2) of 2014 to protect the rights of people of determination in the Emirate of Dubai. The law supports Federal Law No. (29) of 2006 concerning the rights of people of determination. It re-affirms the importance of people of determination and emphasises their critical role in building and developing human capital in Dubai.

• Executive Council Resolution No. (2) of 2017 Regulating Private Schools in the Emirate of Dubai: The Resolution encourages investment in private schools in order to improve the educational environments, and to link the approved strategies of the Emirate of Dubai with the outcomes of the education system. It emphasises the need for schools to implement anti-discriminatory practices for students of determination and includes penalties for any related violation.

The implementation and impact of the standards included within Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017) are monitored and regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). These processes involve regulating the quality of provision and outcomes of students of determination through the implementation of the UAE School Inspection Framework and monitoring compliance levels in accordance with stated standards, approved rules and regulations. (KHDA, 2020)

What works at schools and what the profession (or legal) ramifications of a breach of policy are:

STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOLS

In-depth situational analysis across the Emirate of Dubai has identified a number of barriers that restrict opportunities for students of determination to attend private schools and limit their access to appropriate learning opportunities. The following section provides instructions and guidance, that when effectively implemented, will minimise the barriers experienced by students of determination and ensure that the potential of each student is realised.

Specific areas of focus include:

• communicating an inclusive vision

• entry-assessment and admission procedures

• inclusive policies and processes

• a standard school service

• a system of school-based support

• provision payments and fees.

All private schools in Dubai are required to ensure that school policies positively promote the admission of students of determination and their access to appropriate learning experiences.

The development of publicly stated policies that commit the school to the inclusion of students of determination is critically important. The policies describe how the school will fulfill its commitment to inclusive education. It will provide clear and consistent information about the procedures to be followed and the expectations of practice and provisions. Schools should pay particular attention to:

• Admission policy and procedure for the inclusion of students of determination – the procedures will clearly set out the schools commitment to providing a predictable, transparent and barrier free process for the admission of students of determination

• The policy of provision for students of determination – the policy will state the commitment to providing the resources and services needed to ensure equitable access, effective participation, engagement and progress for each student. The policy will provide guidance for teachers and school staff about process, procedure and practice focused on ensuring student success. (KHDA.Gov , 2018)

This video is talking about the education in UAE in general but I found very interesting to see how the eduction is growing so fast and achieving their goals to have an outstanding education.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6KCTBfFqJA

References:

R. (2021, June 29). Know the Laws That Protect Your Child With Special Needs. Military OneSource. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/support-for-families/know-the-laws-that-protect-your-child-with-special-needs/

Rights and Regulations – Hands in Autism®. (2021). Rights and Regulations. https://handsinautism.iupui.edu/about-autism/rights-and-regulations/

WhichSchoolAdvisor.com. (2017, February 28). Recommended UAE Special Needs (SEN) Resources. UAE Special Needs Resources. https://whichschooladvisor.com/uae/guides/recommended-uae-special-needs-sen-resources/

United Arab Emirates Cultural Division | Special Education. (2011). Culture Division. http://www.uaecd.org/special-education

Protecting the rights of people of determination (persons with disabilities) - The Official Portal of the UAE Government. (2021). The Official Portal of UAE. https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/human-rights-in-the-uae/protecting-the-rights-of-people-of-determination