Zone of Proximal Development

Chapter 1: History and Philosophy of Special Education in the United Arab Emirates • Overview of History of Special Education in the UAE • Philosophy, Vision and Mission for Special Education in the UAE • Goals for Ministry of Education, Special Education Department.

Overview of History of Special Education in the United Arab Emirates Since 1979, the provision of special education programs and services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has evolved and expanded to recognize a wider variety of categories of special education, which is also available to students in higher grades, and to promote inclusive education, or equal access to educational opportunities. For example, the proposed categories of special education described in these guidelines, no longer only apply to individuals with a disability, which is a term used to describe a the mental, physical, sensory, cognitive or behavioral condition which impairs one or more daily activities, and adversely affects educational performance. Categories of special education now include Gifted and Talented individuals whose abilities, talents and potential for accomplishments are so exceptional or advanced that special education and support services are needed for the student to meet educational objectives and goals in the general education classrooms. In addition, in 2006, special education programs and services in the UAE were expanded to include the delivery of services to students up to the 9th grade. Also, in the past, the Ministry of Education in the UAE primarily provided special education programs and services to students with intellectual disabilities (previously referred to as mental retardation) in the community or center-based educational programs, while students with visual, hearing and physical disabilities received their education in general education classrooms and received support from regular and special education teachers. Now, with the introduction of the United Arab Emirates, Federal Law No. 29 in 2006, Regarding the Rights of Persons With Special Needs which promotes the philosophy of inclusive education by ensuring that all students with disabilities in public and private educational institutions in the UAE have access to equal educational opportunities, the number of students with intellectual disabilities being included in general education schools is increasing. These guidelines for the provision of special education in the UAE have been prepared to serve as a common framework for the “work in progress” that educators and other professionals, parents and individuals with special needs in the UAE must undertake to ensure that we strive to achieve “best practices” in the process of inclusion.

Philosophy, Vision and Mission for Special Education in the UAE 

Philosophy for Special Education Each student is unique in his own way and needs to be provided with a safe, caring and stimulating environment to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. Educators demonstrate a commitment to teach all students and provide them with a safe and supportive environment to develop to their maximum potential based on their individual strengths and challenges. 

Vision for Special Education Our vision is to provide educational programs and related services to students with special needs and gifts and talents in public and private schools in the UAE that reflect the best international standards and practices to prepare them to be productive members of society. 

Mission for Special Education Use all available resources to plan, implement, and monitor the provision of special education programs and related services to students with special needs and gifts and talents and ensure that they receive an Individual Education Program (IEP) or Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) based on their strengths and needs to enhance their social competence and enable them to maximize their contributions to their communities

https://www.moe.gov.ae/English/SiteDocuments/Rules/SNrulesEn.pdf