Options
Inclusive Education: Parents' Perspectives in Abu Dhabi
Date Issued
2024
Author(s)
Alameri, Salwa
Abstract
There are many actors who play significant role in inclusive education systems in Abu Dhabi.
Parents are valuable actors who play a significant role in inclusive education, yet their experiences
are overlooked. The purpose of this study is to highlight how parents’ experiences and social
factors could affect the effectiveness of inclusive education system in Abu Dhabi. This research
used a mixed method, quantitative and qualitative methods. An online survey was conducted with
126 parents of children with special educational needs across the UAE, including 90 from Abu
Dhabi. Participants, aged 25 to 50 and representing 12 nationalities, comprised 54 from Abu
Dhabi, 34 from Al Ain, and 2 from Al Dhafra. Further, seven mothers of children with special
educational needs were interviewed to collect in-depth information about their experience. The
findings indicate that many parents are facing complex array of challenges and systemic issues. It
also indicates that socioeconomic barriers significantly hinder parents’ positive experience in
inclusive education. The finding also suggest that acceptance and social stigma affects how SEN
students and their parents are perceived and supported in different contexts. Identifying the
challenges parents face will assist in developing the services they need for the future.
Parents are valuable actors who play a significant role in inclusive education, yet their experiences
are overlooked. The purpose of this study is to highlight how parents’ experiences and social
factors could affect the effectiveness of inclusive education system in Abu Dhabi. This research
used a mixed method, quantitative and qualitative methods. An online survey was conducted with
126 parents of children with special educational needs across the UAE, including 90 from Abu
Dhabi. Participants, aged 25 to 50 and representing 12 nationalities, comprised 54 from Abu
Dhabi, 34 from Al Ain, and 2 from Al Dhafra. Further, seven mothers of children with special
educational needs were interviewed to collect in-depth information about their experience. The
findings indicate that many parents are facing complex array of challenges and systemic issues. It
also indicates that socioeconomic barriers significantly hinder parents’ positive experience in
inclusive education. The finding also suggest that acceptance and social stigma affects how SEN
students and their parents are perceived and supported in different contexts. Identifying the
challenges parents face will assist in developing the services they need for the future.
