ADEK Inclusion Policy for Students of Determination
Offered by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge
Abu Dhabi's inclusion policy requiring every school to accept students with additional learning needs, with in-school therapy services covered by Thiqa for eligible Emirati students.
<p></p><p>ADEK's <strong>School Policy on Inclusion</strong> sets the rules every private and charter school in Abu Dhabi must follow when admitting and supporting students of determination — including children with autism, ADHD, learning differences, and other additional needs.</p><p>
</p><h3>What the policy guarantees parents</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Schools must admit students of determination</strong> when an appropriate year-level place is available. A school that cannot accommodate a student must submit an <em>"inability to accommodate notification"</em> to ADEK with detailed written evidence — ADEK then reviews and decides.</p></li><li><p>Inclusion is delivered by qualified <strong>inclusion teachers</strong>, not just support staff.</p></li><li><p>Through ADEK's partnership with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, <strong>in-school therapy services</strong> — including psychotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy — are delivered in schools and <strong>covered by Thiqa</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Schools have until <strong>September 2026</strong> to fully comply with the latest inclusion requirements; non-compliance carries penalties.</p></li></ul><p>
</p><h3>Specialised Provision Team</h3><p>For Emirati students with moderate to severe autism (per the Abu Dhabi Disability Classification) whose needs cannot be met in mainstream settings, ADEK's Specialised Provision Team coordinates access to commissioned service providers with individualised educational and therapeutic plans.</p><p>
</p><h3>How parents use it</h3><ul><li><p>Apply to your preferred schools knowing they cannot deny admission solely on grounds of disability.</p></li><li><p>If denied, request a copy of the "inability to accommodate notification" submitted to ADEK and follow up with ADEK directly.</p></li><li><p>For Thiqa-eligible families, ask the school's inclusion team about in-school therapy services already covered by your insurance.</p></li></ul><p>
</p><p>Official policy page: <a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.adek.gov.ae/Education-of-People-of-Determination">adek.gov.ae — Education for People of Determination</a></p>