Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent, Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has approved an expansion plan for Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Special Education (MRC), Abu Dhabi, which will enable 118 new UAE National students with Autism taking the total number to 293.

The centre expansion plan includes a five-year operational service contract renewal between ADEK and NECC. The centre’s families have endorsed the renewal decision welcoming the news of the on-going partnership that provides stability of care for students with autism.

The plan also includes a project to renovate an unoccupied onsite building to develop specialist facilities with which the centre will eventually provide 118 additional student seats. The development is in accordance with the wider commitment to increase opportunities for Students of Determination throughout the Emirate.

Amer Al Hammadi, Undersecretary of ADEK commented, “The primary ADEK and MRC-NECC objective is to deliver world-class learning support, therapy and care to students of determination, to ensure we achieve our goals amid increased demand for services, with an expansion plan to include the development of state-of-the-art teaching and therapy,” added Al Hammadi.

As part of ADEKs commitment to inclusion, students will transfer from the MRC-NECC Inclusion programme to a new ADEK managed project named, ‘ADEK Autism Inclusion Project.’ These students are currently in mainstream schools and will continue to receive holistic learning support as they move through the next phase of their educational journey. Operationally, this creates seats at MRC-NECC for UAE National students who require specialised services.

“We remain committed to our mission of enabling high-quality education and providing the best opportunities for all students and we thank the families for their enduring support and cooperation. With their feedback, suggestions and efforts, we are confident in providing the right opportunities for children and empowering them to build independent lives,” he said.

Rubi Mahmood, Director Student of Determination Office at ADEK, said, “Our commitment to inclusive education provides UAE National students with autism a range of alternative education pathways, providing opportunities to transition between specialist and mainstream education. We are dedicated to creating programmes for students of determination that enhance their learning and create the best outcomes for them once they leave our care to become independent citizens and contribute to society.”

Vincent Strully, Jr., Founder and CEO of NECC commented: “The success of the centre depends on collaboration, unity and strong relationships such as the one we have with ADEK. The expansion and our renewed operating contract is the latest milestone in our successful journey, and we look forward to providing world-class Applied Behavioral Analysis expertise and education services to children with autism, and training for UAE nationals to provide the same quality of service in Arabic.”

Hamada Al Blooshi, mother of Hamdan, at the centre shared, “The MRC-NECC team helped me diagnose Hamdan’s autism at an early stage, and the centre has played a crucial role in my son’s development, as well as providing me and my family with much needed guidance and support. Throughout my six years with the centre, I can confidently say that it has become our second home. The team is in constant communication with us to discuss learning and care plans to support Hamdan, and we are deeply grateful for everyone’s commitment, not only at the centre but also at the Student of Determination Office at ADEK.”

Maryam Al Tinaiji, mother of Mayed said: “My son has been at MRC-NECC for nine years, the care and learning support he has received has enabled him to reach many milestones in his development, this is a direct result of MRC-NECC. On behalf of all mothers, I extend my sincere gratitude not only to the centre’s incredible team, but also to those at Student of Determination Office at ADEK for their unwavering dedication and support.”