Incluzun, a Dubai-based social enterprise, is launching the first awards for practitioners nationwide to improve inclusion practices at schools. The awards will recognize the best head of inclusion and the best learning support assistant in the UAE, with prize money of Dh15,000. Dr Catherine O’Farrell, one of the founding partners of Incluzun, emphasized the dedication, passion, and innovation of these individuals who work tirelessly to ensure all students have access to quality education.
The nomination process for the awards is open until Friday, September 27, and nominations can be submitted for free on the Incluzun website. The awards are open to all education institutions and suppliers within the UAE. Nominees need to be in the field of special education, a licensed professional working at a school, and at least in their third year of practice. The winners will be selected based on the impact and effectiveness of their efforts in creating an inclusive educational environment.
The winners of the awards will be decided by a panel of judges and awarded at a ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Center during the Accessibilities Expo on October 8. The awards, sponsored by the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, include cash prizes, hotel stays, and flight tickets. The ZHO expressed its delight and honor in sponsoring these awards and emphasized the importance of empowering people of determination.
Dr Catherine highlighted that the awards support the broader goals outlined in the National Policy to Empower People of Determination, announced in 2017. This policy aims to create a supportive environment that promotes equal opportunities for people with special needs. Recognizing exceptional individuals in the field of inclusive education is a step towards achieving the UAE’s vision of a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their abilities.
The support received from the community for these awards has been overwhelming, with leading brands like Siemens Energy, Etihad, MAF, and Rotana stepping forward to support the cause. By honoring and recognizing the efforts of practitioners working towards inclusion in education, Incluzun aims to build a more inclusive future for all. These awards not only celebrate the dedication of individuals in the field but also contribute to the larger goal of creating a more inclusive society in the UAE.
