Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework

I had the opportunity to download the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework after reading a recent article on Edarabia. Serving students with disabilities is an area in which we in the United States continue to struggle. Even though we have laws protecting the rights of this very large class of learners (United Nations data place this figure at 10 percent of the population), one of our greatest challenges is defining which children actually deserve help. I hear horror stories often from parents whose children are treated unfairly and are forced to fight a system that was created to help them and educate all children. Perhaps it begins with the language and intent of the policies, which may be as important as the policies themselves.

On our Department of Education website, the introduction begins, “This document is a revised version of a document originally developed by the Chicago Office of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to clarify the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Section 504) in the area of public elementary and secondary education. The primary purpose of these revisions is to incorporate information about the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (Amendments Act), effective January 1, 2009, which amended the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and included a conforming amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that affects the meaning of disability in Section 504.”

How different is the introduction of the Dubai Inclusive Education Policy framework, written by Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of KHDA? Dr. Abdulla Al Karim States, “Persons with determination. This is how the UAE has chosen to view the attributes of persons with disabilities; a reflection of their strength of character, their perseverance, and their courage. The inspiration for the development of Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework is clear in the words His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who stated that ‘Determination, Strategy, and Vision for the future are our real resources in the quest for excellence and success.’ The Dubai Disabilities Strategy has a determined an aspirational vision to create a fully cohesive and inclusive society. One where the rights and access to equitable opportunities for people of determination are assured and protected.”

There is no bureaucratic language, no rhetoric in the words laid down by the Chairman. Just a straightforward statement of intent; a positive message that describes these learners as people of determination, of ability, not a disability. I encourage everyone to read the Framework thoroughly. It outlines a policy that will ensure the equal, inclusionary education of your sons and daughters. To be sure, there is work ahead that is yet to be done. But for now, you have clear guidelines to create a new culture of inclusion. And let this be a lesson for those of us living in the West. Great ideas don’t need to be difficult. They just need to be presented well.

SEE ALSO: Following the Emirati School Model