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Need information about Special Education Support Services for children in Saudi Arabia, who are suffering from a difficulty that prevents them from joining normal or special needs schools
Hello! Thanks for your question about Special Education Support Services for children in Saudi Arabia. The short version is that in 1963, the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia established the administration of special education. Out of the 4,796 programs nationwide, only 8 percent (383) are provided in private institutions. It is estimated that 13.2% of Saudi children (665,000) age six to seventeen may require special education. I have scoured the Internet for articles from trusted media sites and academic databases related to this subject. Below you will find a deep dive of my findings.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION
In 1963, the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia established the administration of special education. The objective of the special education administration is to “teach, and educate disabled students of different categories, and it also aims to train them to acquire proper skills according to their ability, and capabilities in line with deliberate plans, and special programs with the aim of reaching their best level, and prepare them to lead normal life, and to integrate them in the community.” In addition to departments for “Programs for Gifted and Talented Children, Students’ Accommodations, Research and Development, Public Relations, Educational Awareness, and Administrative Affairs,” a department for each type of disability was also established.
LAWS RELATED TO SPECIAL EDUCATION
In 2000, the Provision Code for individuals with disabilities in Saudi Arabia was established. It “guarantees the rights of students with disabilities a free and appropriate education,” thus, there are no commercial special education institutes in Saudi Arabia. In 2001, the Policy, Rules, and Regulations of Special Education Programs (RRSEP) ensured “the eligibility of a student to receive special education services,” which includes the terms and conditions of entering the schools. Additionally, rules and regulation that “reaffirms that regular schools are the natural place for students with disabilities” were established in 2002.
NUMBER OF PROGRAMS AND STUDENTS
As of 2015, 63,461 students are receiving special education services. Almost every student with multiple and severe disabilities are studying in private special education institutions. Those with mild and moderate cognitive disabilities “receive their education in an inclusive setting in public schools.” Out of the 4,796 programs nationwide, only 8 percent (383) are provided in private institutions. A breakdown for the number students in private institutions for each disability is unavailable. It was reported that Tatweer Education Holding Company had partnered with the University of Oregon’s College of Education, Early Childhood CARES and the Office of International Affairs in a joint project worth $441,651 to launch six pilot schools in Riyadh. Prince Sultan Center for Special Education Support Services is one of the institutions that are run by Tatweer Education Holding Company.
• Hearing impairment – 586 programs (6,881 students)
• Visual impairment – 363 programs (3,214 students)
• Intellectual disabilities – 1,101 programs (20,576 students)
• Autism – 220 programs (1,464 students)
• Multiple disabilities – 58 programs (490 students)
• Learning disabilities – 2,393 programs (26,225 students)
• Hyperactivity – 30 programs (81 students)
• Physical and health disabilities – 90 programs (4,530 students)
NUMBER OF CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM A DIFFICULTY
It is estimated that 13.2% of Saudi children (665,000) age six to seventeen may require special education. Below is a distribution of the number of children with disabilities:
• Specific learning disabilities – 250,000
• Speech or language impairments –145,000
• Intellectual disability – 50,000
• Emotional disturbance – 45,000
• Hearing Impairment – 10,000
• Visual Impairment – 5,000
• Orthopedic impairments – 5,000
• Other health impairments – 65,000
• Autism – 35,000
• Traumatic brain injury – 5,000
• Developmental delay – 35,000
• Multiple disabilities – 15,000
CONCLUSION
To wrap it up, in 1963, the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia established the administration of special education. Out of the 4,796 programs nationwide, only 8 percent (383) are provided in private institutions. It is estimated that 13.2% of Saudi children (665,000) age six to seventeen may require special education. Thanks for using Wonder! Please let us know if we can help with anything else!