We believe that every child deserves an inclusive and supportive education from early childhood through to adulthood. Our ecosystem provides a range of specialized services tailored to each stage of a child’s development, addressing their unique needs and enabling them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Students We Support
Students of Determination: Individuals with a “temporary or permanent, full, or partial deficiency or infirmity in their physical, sensory, mental, communicational, educational, or psychological abilities to an extent that limits their possibility of performing ordinary requirements” (Federal Law No. 29 of 2006). The term “student of determination” is used for those in education.
Additional Learning Needs Students: Any student who requires extra support, modifications, or accommodations within a school setting, either temporarily or permanently. This includes students of determination and those with special educational needs or barriers to learning, access, or interaction.
Services for Students of Determination
Mainstream Inclusion
We work closely with all private and charter schools to provide tailored support for Students of Determination and students with additional learning needs, ensuring every child can thrive.
View Early Education Institution Policy on Inclusion
In-School Specialist Services
Through the in-school services, schools can access specialist centers that provide comprehensive therapeutic support for Students of Determination and students with additional learning needs, within school premises and during school hours.
If your child has access to therapeutic service and you would like to benefit from these services, contact your school Head of Inclusion or therapy provider.
Services offered in-school:
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
For more information or to connect to a therapy center with a school, contact us at inschoolservices@adek.gov.ae.
Family Support and Welfare
We believe that families thrive with a strong support system, and we are committed to assisting them throughout their parenting journey by offering valuable resources and support.
Support services offered include:
- Guidance on how to support your child’s education journey
- Mediation between schools and families
- Directing families with students of determination to specialized support and resources from both government and private sector organizations
Our family support team can be reached at studentsofdeterminationoffice@adek.gov.ae.
Specialized Provisions
The Specialized Provision Team partners with ADEK’s commissioned service providers to support Students of Determination who require services beyond those offered by mainstream schools.
Eligible Emirati students with moderate to severe Autism, as per the Abu Dhabi Disability Classification, can access these specialized provisions upon meeting the eligibility criteria.
To meet the eligibility criteria for a specialized provision, the student must have substantial needs and require an individualized educational and therapeutic plan, where the mainstream inclusion setting would not be an appropriate or suitable setting.
Parents may also submit a registration inquiry by email at ADEKAS@adek.gov.ae.