Strategies and Effective Practices to Ensure Diverse Educational Needs of Students with Disabilities are Met in Inclusive Education Environments
Abstract
Inclusive education ensures equal learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities, by fostering diverse and adaptive learning environments. This study explores effective strategies and practices for addressing the diverse educational needs of students with disabilities within inclusive educational settings. It examines key strategies such as individualized needs assessment, curriculum adaptation, teacher training, assistive technology integration, and collaborative partnerships among educators, families, and communities. The research highlights the importance of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in personalizing learning experiences and ensuring academic success. Additionally, curriculum modifications and differentiated instruction enhance accessibility, while assistive technology offers innovative tools for student engagement. The role of teacher training is emphasized, as well-trained educators are critical for implementing inclusive practices effectively. Furthermore, fostering strong school-community collaboration strengthens educational support networks and promotes sustainable inclusion. Despite progress, challenges such as limited resources, teacher preparedness, and societal perceptions remain significant barriers. However, the study identifies promising opportunities, including government initiatives, technological advancements, and public-private partnerships that enhance inclusive education in the UAE. This Paper underscores the necessity of policy-driven, evidence-based approaches to inclusive education, advocating for continued research, investment in professional development, and enhanced community engagement to create equitable and effective learning environments for all students.
References
- Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development. (2022, December 3). The Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination 2020-2024 celebrates three years of achievements. Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development. https://www.addcd.gov.ae
- Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. (2023, August 15). The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge launches an inclusive initiative for Al Karamah Training Institute's students of determination. Abu Dhabi Media Office. https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi
- Aftab, Muhammad & Amjad, Faisal & Chaudhry, Hira. (2024). Inclusive Education: Strategies for Successful Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Mainstream Classrooms. Academy of Education and Social Sciences Review. 4. 439-453. 10.48112/aessr.v4i3.824.
- Ahmmed, M. and Mullick, M. (2013) Implementing inclusive education in primary schools in Bangladesh: recommended strategies, Educational Research for Policy and Practice 13:167–180.
- Ainscow, M., Miles, S. Making Education for All Inclusive: Where Next? Prospects 38, 15–34 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-008-9055-0
- Alborno N. (2017). The ‘yes … but’ dilemma: Implementing inclusive education in Emirati primary schools. British Journal of Special Education, 44(1), 26–45. 10.1111/1467-8578.12157
- Alfityani, Hussam (2024). The study focuses on the training needs of general education teachers in the context of an inclusive education environment in government schools, as viewed from their perspective. Special education and Rehabilitation, 18(64.1), 175-208, doi: 10.21608/sero.2024.381091
- Alhammadi, M. M. (2023). Availability of disability specialists for students with vision or hearing impairment in the United Arab Emirates: current status and future needs. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 19(4), 1709–1717. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2023.2228827
- Alhassan, K.Y. & Verma, S. (2024). Assessment and Evaluation in
- Ally, M. (2008). Foundations of educational theory for online learning. In T. Anderson (Ed.). The theory and practice of online learning (pp.15-44). Athabasca, AB Athabasca University Press. Retrieved from http://www.aupress.ca/books/120146/ebook/01_Anderson_2008- Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf
- Almalki, Dr. Nabil Sharaf and Al-Harthi, Budur Mohammed (2020) "The Importance of Using Assistive Technology with Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Inclusive Education Schools," International Journal for Research in Education: Vol. 44 : Iss. 2 , Article 9.Available at: https://scholarworks.uaeu.ac.ae/ijre/vol44/iss2/9
- Alshahrani , B ., & Abu-Alghayth , K.(2023)Teachers’ Professional Development for Inclusive Education, A perspective from Saudi (Mixed Methods Study), Inf. Sci. Lett. 12, No. 3, 1497-1504
- Alzaabi, A. M. A. (2020). Assistive technology's effect on the academic performance of students with disabilities: An investigative study at higher education institutions in the UAE (Master's thesis). The British University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Retrieved from https://bspace.buid.ac.ae/handle/1234/1765
- Anati, Nisreen & Ain, A.. (2012). Including students with disabilities in UAE schools: A descriptive study. International Journal of Special Education. 27. 75-85.
- Anderson, E.J.; Brock, M.E.; Shawbitz, K.N. Philosophical Perspectives and Practical Considerations for the Inclusion of Students with Developmental Disabilities. Educ. Sci. 2022, 12, 478. https://doi.org/10.3390/ educsci12070478
- Avramidis, E. and Norwich, B. (2002) Teachers' attitudes towards integration/inclusion: A review of the literature. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 17 (2): 129-147.
- Ayon, V., & Dillon, A. (2021). Assistive Technology in Education: Conceptions of a Socio-technical Design Challenge. The International Journal of Information, Diversity, & Inclusion, 5(3), 174–184. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48644451
- Camelo, Aline Cristina Pereira Da & Tymoshchuk, Oksana & Martins, Isabel & Santos, Paula. (2023). Participation of Families in Inclusive Education in the First Cycle of Basic Education: A Systematic Review. 295-308. 10.22492/issn.2435-9467.2023.25.
- Diaz-Vega, M.; Moreno-Rodriguez, R.; Lopez-Bastias, J.L. Educational Inclusion through the Universal Design for Learning: Alternatives to Teacher Training. Educ. Sci. 2020,10, 303. [CrossRef] DOI:10.18870/hlrc.v14i1.1453
- Dyliaeva, K., Rothman, S. B., & Ghotbi, N. (2024). Challenges to Inclusive Education for Students With Disabilities in Japanese Higher Education Institutions. Higher Learning Research Communications, 14 (1).
- El Naggar A, Gaad E, Inocencio SAM. Enhancing inclusive education in the UAE: Integrating AI for diverse learning needs(2024). Res Dev Disabil.;147:104685. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104685. Epub 2024 Feb 8. PMID: 38330845.
- Elder, B. C., Givens, L., LoCastro, A., & Rencher, L. (2021). Using Disability Studies in Education (dse) and Professional Development Schools (pds) to Implement Inclusive Practices. Journal of Disability Studies in Education, 2(2), 113-135. https://doi.org/10.1163/25888803-bja10010
- Elhoweris, H., & Efthymiou, E. (2020). Inclusive and Special Education in the Middle East. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. Retrieved 4 Feb. 2025, from https://oxfordre.com/education/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264093-e-1219.
- Federal Competitiveness & Statistics Authority Secretariat for UAE National Committee.(2017) UAE AND THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EXCELLENCE IN IMPLEMENTATION, https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/20161UAE_SDGs_Report_Full_English.pdf
- Florian, Lani & Spratt, Jennifer. (2013). Enacting inclusion: A framework for interrogating inclusive practice. European Journal of Special Needs Education. 28. 10.1080/08856257.2013.778111.
- Fuentealba, Carmen (2011) The Role of Assessment in the Student Learning Process , Journal of Veterinary Medical Education 2011 38:2, 157-162
- Garces-Bacsal, R. M., Loyd, D., Aina, C., Al Maktoum, S. B., Ahmed, A., & Walker, Z. (2023). Examining culturally responsive inclusive education practices in mainstream schools in the United Arab Emirates: A preliminary study to trial an evidence-based framework. Disability and the Global South, 10(1), 2283–2306.
- Goddard, Y. L., Ammirante, L., & Jin, N. (2023). A Thematic Review of Current Literature Examining Evidence-Based Practices and Inclusion. Education Sciences, 13(1), 38. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13010038
- Government of Dubai Media Office (2022) Law No. (3) of 2022 regarding the rights of persons with disabilities in the Emirate of Dubai in English
- Gross, J. M. S., Haines, S. J., Hill, C., Francis, G. L., Blue-Banning, M., & Turnbull, A. P. (2015). Strong school–community partnerships in inclusive schools are “part of the fabric of the school.…We count on them”. The School Community Journal, 25(2), 9–34.
- Hansen, J. H., Carrington, S., Jensen, C. R., Molbæk, M., & Secher Schmidt, M. C. (2020). The collaborative practice of inclusion and exclusion. Nordic Journal of Studies in Educational Policy, 6(1), 47–57. https://doi.org/10.1080/20020317.2020.1730112
- Here is the APA 7th edition reference for the study you mentioned:
- Hopkins S. L., Round P. N., Barley K. D. (2018). Preparing beginning teachers for inclusion: Designing and assessing supplementary fieldwork experiences. Teachers and Teaching, 24(8), 915–930. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2018.1495624
- influencing Greek teachers' stance. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 23 (4): 413-421.
- Ionescu, Daniela. (2023). Training Needs Of Teachers On Inclusive Education. 1371-1381. 10.15405/epes.23045.140.
- Ionescu, Daniela. (2023). Training Needs Of Teachers On Inclusive Education. 1371-1381. 10.15405/epes.23045.140.
- Issaka, C, Alimatu. (2024). Impact of School-Community Collaboration on the Academic Achievements of Learners with Disabilities in Inclusive Schools Within Tamale Metropolis. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review. 7. 118-131. 10.47814/ijssrr.v7i6.2173.
- Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. T. (2009). An educational psychology success story: Social interdependence theory and cooperative learning. Educational Researcher, 38(5), 365–379. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X09339057
- Kart, A., & Kart, M. (2021). Academic and Social Effects of Inclusion on Students without Disabilities: A Review of Literature. Education Sciences, 11(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11010016
- Knowledge and Human Development Authority. (2016). Framework for Inclusive Education Policy in Dubai. Retrieved from khda.gov.ae
- Koutrouba, K., Vamvakari, M. and Theodoropoulos, H. (2008) SEN students' inclusion in Greece: factors
- Kushariyadi, Kushariyadi & Mustofa, Mustofa & Permatasari, Armita & Fitriani, A. & Faridah, Luluk. (2024). The Role of Technology in Inclusive Education: Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Countries. International Journal of Educational Research Excellence (IJERE). 3. 854-861. 10.55299/ijere.v3i2.1132.
- Lindner, K. T., & Schwab, S. (2020). Differentiation and individualization in inclusive education: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1813450
- Mbua, E. M. (2023). Principal Leadership: Raising the Achievement of All Learners in Inclusive Education. American Journal of Education and Practice, 7(1), 1–25. https://doi.org/10.47672/ajep.1313
- Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. (2019). Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice. Wakefield, MA: CAST.
- Ministry of Education, UAE, (2017). National Strategy for Education 2030. Retrieved from https://www.moe.gov.ae
- Ministry of Education. (2020). Ministerial Decision No. (647) of 2020 on the Inclusive Education Policy. Retrieved from moe.gov.ae
- Mitchell, D., & Sutherland, D. (2020). What really works in special and inclusive education: Using evidence-based teaching strategies. Routledge
- Morelle, M., & Morelle, G. M. (2024). Active partnership, community engagement, and intersectoral collaboration are needed to enhance the successful implementation of inclusive education at full-service schools. International Journal of Studies in Inclusive Education, 1(2), 52-55. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijsie.v1i2.1573
- Muhammad Mobakkharul Islam Mizan, Fatema Hoque Runa, Md Mustafizur Rahman, Muhammad Mukhles Uddin, & Mohsina Jannat Meeto. (2022). The role of collaboration between parent, teacher, and community in the development of inclusive practice in the primary schools of Jamalpur Sadar Upazila in Bangladesh
- International Journal Of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas In Education, 8(2), 1407-1422.
- Provinzano, K. T., Riley, R., Levine, B., & Grant, A. (2018). Community Schools and the Role of University-School-Community Collaboration. Metropolitan Universities, 29(2). https://doi.org/10.18060/21762
- Ranbir (2024). Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Best Practices for Tailoring Instruction to Meet Diverse Learning Needs, , Universal Research Reports 11(1), 187-191. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36676/urr.v11.i1.1275
- Santamaria Graff, Cristina & Sherman, Brandon. (2020). Models of school-family relations. 10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.013.1247.
- Saziso, M& Chimhenga, S)2021(. Curriculum modification as a critical approach to assist learners with special needs in institutions of higher learning in Zimbabwe, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 5(3), 437-441.
- Siddiqua, Aisha. (2019). Classroom Observation as a Tool for Professional Development. World Journal of English Language. 9. 49. 10.5430/wjel.v9n1p49.
- Singal,Nidhi; Carter,Emma Jane; Del Toro Mijares,Ana Teresa; Molina,Ezequiel; Pushparatnam,Adelle.(2023) The Teach Primary Classroom Observation Tool: Strengthening Its Focus on Inclusion (English). Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group.http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099110123172512177/P17337503d13bf098093380ff365847b457
- Sokal, L., & Sharma, U. (2017). Do I really need a course to learn to teach students with disabilities? I've been doing it for years. Canadian Journal of Education, 40(4), 739-760. http://journals.sfu.ca/cje/index.php/cje-rce/article/viewFile/3186/2469
- Special Education, Innovative Approach and Tools. International Journal of Social Impact,9(1), 1-11. DIP: 18.02.001/20240901, DOI: 10.25215/2455/0901001
- Stolz, S. (2020). Universal Design for Learning: Changing the Way We Interact with Diversity. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. Retrieved 2 Feb. 2025,from.https://oxfordre.com/education/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264093-e-1020
- Sukys, Saulius & Dumciene, Audrone & Lapėnienė, Dalia. (2015). Parental Involvement in Inclusive Education of Children with Special Educational Needs. Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal. 43. 10.2224/sbp.2015.43.2.327.
- The official portal of the Government of the United Arab Emirates,(2025) Integrating people with disabilities into the education system
- Tomlinson, C. A. (2017). The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners (2nd ed.). ASCD.
- Tristani, Lauren & Bassett-Gunter, Rebecca. (2019). Making the grade: teacher training for inclusive education: A systematic review. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs. 20. 10.1111/1471-3802.12483.
- UAE Government. (2021). National Strategy for Empowering People of Determination. https://www.vision2021.ae/en
- UAE Ministry of Education. (2020). Inclusive Education Policy Framework. UAE Ministry of Education.
- UNESCO. (2015). Sustainable Development Goals. United Nations. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/education/
- United Arab Emirates Federal Law No. 29 of 2006. (2006). Rights of People with Disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.moj.gov.ae
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (2014) Enhancing Access to and Retention of Girls and Women in Education and Gender Equity of Teachers under the UN Joint Program on Violence against Women (JP VAW). Dhaka, Bangladesh. Retrieved from: http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/FIELD/Dhaka/pdf/EDU/gender_st udy_report.pdf
- United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html
- Uttayotha, S., & Scheef, A. R. (2021). Partnerships to promote inclusive education for students with disabilities in Thailand. Journal of Global Education and Research, 5(1), 85-95. https://www.doi.org/10.5038/2577-509X.5.1.1102
- Vaz, S., Wilson, N., Falkmer, M., Sim, A., Scott, M., Cordier, R. and Falkmer, T. (2015). Factors associated with primary school teachers’ attitudes towards the inclusion of students with disabilities. PloS one, 10 (8), e0137002.
- Wilder, S. (2014) Effects of parental involvement on academic achievement: a meta-synthesis. Journal Educational Review, 6(3), pp. 377-397.
- World Health Organization. (2001). International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). WHO.
Downloads
Similar Articles
- Houda Zouirchi, Aziz Ouia, The impact of big data on customer experience , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics and Social Studies
- Mahmud Alshahaat, The Effectiveness of Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Based Technologies and Applications in Improving Results for Arson Investigation , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics and Social Studies
- Fawaz M. Habbal , H.E Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi , Tamima Mohammad ALNaiser , The role of Artificial Intelligence to Empower Public Services for Talent Attraction: A Comparative Analysis for the UAE , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Anas El Azizi El Alaoui, Abdelali Fateh, The Geomarketing and the competitiveness of the spaces urban Morocco , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Abdul Hamid, Amal Alshehhia, Adil Abdullah, Elsir Mohamed, Key Success Factors For Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Projects Within SMEs , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 1 No. 2 (2022): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Rachid El Oud, Anass Mekdad, Abderrahim Amedjar, Ahmed Lamalem, The impact of the introduction of telework on Moroccan employees , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 2 No. 2 (2023): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Mohammed Al Omairi, Navigating ESG Challenges in GCC Family-Owned Businesses in the UAE and Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative study , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics and Social Studies
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.
Most read articles by the same author(s)
- Abdullah Radwan Arabeyyat, Reeman Aldweik, A Comprehensive Exploration of the Jordan Tourism Board's 2023 Strategic Planning, News, and Social Media , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- AbdelAziz AlOwais, Dr. Farzana Mirb, The social, economic and environmental impacts of a 4-day workweek in an organization. , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 2 No. 2 (2023): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Dr. Najmudeen Sulthan, Dr. Farjah H. AlGahtani, Moaid mahjoub, Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf, Dr.Sharfras Navas.M.A, Physician Entrepreneurs and AI Technology: An In-depth Study of Knowledge, Competence, Adoption, and Sustainability in the GCC Region , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 2 No. 2 (2023): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Dr. Nashwa Aly Zaghamero, The Effect of Emotional Intelligence Skills on Leaders’ Performance: An Empirical Study Applied on Egyptian Public Universities , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Varinder Singh Rana, Ashish Raina, Gaurav Bathla, THE EFFECT OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES ON CUSTOMER ATTITUDE: A STUDY OF SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY OPERATIONS , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 2 No. 1 (2023): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Anas El Azizi El Alaoui, Abdelali Fateh, The Geomarketing and the competitiveness of the spaces urban Morocco , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Fawaz M. Habbal , H.E Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi , Tamima Mohammad ALNaiser , The role of Artificial Intelligence to Empower Public Services for Talent Attraction: A Comparative Analysis for the UAE , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Mohammad Knio, Said El Hajjar, Jaishu M Antony, Examining The Impact Of Interest Rate, Inflation And Balance Of Trade On Saudi Arabia’s Financial Markets Performance , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 2 No. 1 (2023): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Dr. Mohamad Saad El Dine Knio, Dr. Hassan Houmani, Examining the impact of the stock market development on Economic growth- KSA Tadawul. , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies
- Dr. Firas Habbal, H.E.Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi , Future Development Strategies to Enhance National Workforce Sustainability: A Comprehensive Review , Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies: Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): Emirati Journal of Business, Economics, & Social Studies