Enrolment of students with extra educational needs jumps 116% in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: A government-led inclusive education policy has more than doubled the number of students of determination enrolled in private schools in Abu Dhabi, from 6,000 in 2023 to over 13,000 in 2024.

The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi (DCD) also said that an additional 23 such students were employed by various companies and institutions, alongside specialised training provided to employers to ensure successful workplace integration.

In a recent report detailing key initiatives and programmes implemented under the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination (2020–2024), developed in collaboration with over 13 government entities, the DCD emphasised the progress made in enhancing services and improving the quality of life for people of determination.

Official statistics from the DCD, obtained by Gulf News, revealed that the number of students integrated into private and charter schools in Abu Dhabi increased by 116% from 2023 to 2024. This achievement followed the implementation of initiatives under the ‘Education Pillar’ of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination 2020–2024.

The policy obligates schools to develop and implement inclusion policies, hire specialised staff, and establish clear conditions for requesting additional fees. These efforts align with Abu Dhabi’s government strategy to promote ‘Education for All’, including students of determination, to equip them for future challenges.

ADEK confirmed that students with additional educational needs are allowed to enrol in their chosen schools, provided the school has the capacity to accommodate them according to the grade level. Recognised categories of students of determination include intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, psychological and behavioural disorders, autism spectrum disorder, speech and language impairments, physical and health impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and multiple disabilities.

The report highlighted that the strategy has significantly contributed to strengthening the education sector, ensuring inclusive education, and creating supportive and effective learning environments for students of determination. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) implemented the ‘Inclusive Education Model in Abu Dhabi’, a policy which mandates all schools to establish a framework for identifying and supporting students of determination. ADEK visited 41 schools to provide support, ensure compliance, and maintain high standards of care for these students.

Moreover, ADEK enhanced specialised therapeutic services in schools in collaboration with the Department of Health, including psychological therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. These services benefit 1,359 students across 108 schools. Additionally, over 50 students transitioned from specialised schools to mainstream education as part of the commitment to fostering inclusive education environments.

Schools were required to develop robust systems to identify, refer, and monitor students with additional educational needs. These systems enable teachers and staff to document academic, social, psychological, and behavioural observations, identify student needs, and create reliable education plans while maintaining consistent communication with parents. Schools are also required to document additional student details in the “eSIS” student information system and monitor their progress.

The report also introduced a dedicated inclusion policy for early childhood education institutions to ensure that young children receive specialised support during the critical stages of their growth and development. Support was extended to students with autism by increasing the number of seats available to 92—60 in mainstream schools and 32 at Al Karamah School and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Special Education. This expansion aligns with DCD’s larger goal of ensuring all students have the opportunity to learn and grow in inclusive settings.