UAE | Education
Schools 'should accept pupils with disabilities'
A majority of public school teachers across the UAE are for integrating pupils with physical disabilities into normal schools, according to a recent study by Ministry of Education.
Dubai: A majority of public school teachers across the UAE are for integrating pupils with physical disabilities into normal schools, according to a recent study by Ministry of Education.
However the teachers have some reservations against pupils with vision and hearing impairments.
The study conducted by the Department of Special Needs Programme at the Ministry of Education revealed a 63.3 per cent agreement to integrate pupils with physical challenges.
Fifty-one per cent agreed to integrate pupils with minor mental challenges, while 40 per cent agreed to include pupils with visual impairment, and a 32.7 per cent to hearing impairment.
Flexible
Of the total respondents, 72.2 per cent recommended having separate classrooms within the school for pupils with hearing impairment, and 65 per cent for students with visual challenges.
The 55 participants of the study recommended employing a teacher specialised in special needs education, and acquiring advanced equipment and facilities. They also suggested a flexible curriculum to accommodate the needs of the visual- and hearing-impaired pupils.
As for the physical challenges, the study suggested changes in school structures to make it more accessible to pupils with various disabilities.
The study also suggested the gradual inclusion of pupils with special needs; so that it would eliminate unnecessary complications.
Dr Aisha Al Jalahima, Manager of the Special Needs Programmes Department, said the objective of the study was to assess teachers' view about integration, and get feedback.
Share this article
More from UAE Education
More from UAE
Popular in UAE

-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
The best reader pictures from around the UAE this week
Latest news
- Student tackles used cooking oil
- Road accidents the leading cause of brain injuries in Dubai
- No one wants to teach
- Notary phone bookings to start next month
- Move abandoned vehicles out of the way
- English to stay as medium of instruction
- Fishmongers, consumers trade charges
- DIFF function to raise funds for Aids charity
- Seven held trying to fly from Abu Dhabi illegally
- Trucks queue eases at Saudi border
- 15 genetic triggers linked to birth defects in UAE
- Haj mission's H1N1 measures lauded
- Employer prosecuted for false accusation
- Number of Saudi students rises
- Petrol fumes at gas stations are threat to health
Community Reports
-
Keeping out curious cats in Abu Dhabi
Felines trapped in electrical substations create a nuisance
-
Construction site turned into dump
Sharjah residents using abandoned spot to dispose of waste
-
Stop disregarding road rules
Gulf News reader calls on authorities to curb reckless driving during rush hours in Mussafah industrial area underpass
-
Public transport is the way to go
Residents must stop complaining about feeder buses taking up parking space


