http://www.ashoka.org/news/04november/muslim.html#jump
Dina Abdel-Wahab is enabling those with special needs to become fully
integrated, contributing citizens in Egypt
Dina Abdel-Wahab is pioneering the integration of special needs
children with "normal" children in schools, a first important step
toward achieving society-wide integration in Egypt. She recognizes
that the early preschool years offer an especially promising
opportunity to change attitudes, pave the way for broader societal
reform, and set a different expectation of normalcy early in life.
At least two million Egyptians are disabled or have special needs as a
result of genetic or neurological problems, and half of these are
children. Only about one percent of children and adults with special
needs receive services from the government and citizen sector
organizations.
Rather than focusing narrowly on special needs, Abdel- Wahab focuses
broadly on excellence in learning for all children. This produces
schools that attract parents of "normal" students because the quality
of education for all children is excellent. Children learn and play
together in a stimulating environment, developing friendships with
classmates who may have autism or a severe learning disability. The
adults—teachers and parents—also learn to see special needs in a far
more tolerant light.
Abdel-Wahab plans to spread her idea to a regional network of
preschools throughout the Middle East and, with the help of parents
and supporters, to influence public policy and opinion through
advocacy and education. She is establishing an association that raises
awareness, addresses policy issues such as changing the law that
blocks school-based inclusion, and provides advanced and continuous
training to teachers.
Abdel-Wahab operates a preschool in Cairo and within five years she
plans to further consolidate and spread her idea by opening three more
schools in Egypt and one in another Arab country. She will raise funds
from private business and by having some parents as shareholders.
Within fi ve years, she expects to ensure that at least one percent of
all children with special needs are integrated into schools and at
least ten percent of Egypt's teachers know how to work in an
integrated classroom.
Abdel-Wahab is the mother of a five-year-old with Down's syndrome. She
and her son had to travel to France and to the United States for tests
and development skills assessments. During this period, she learned of
practices, treatments, and educational opportunities available in
other settings to children with Down's syndrome. She draws parents
into an informal support group that extends to parents of children who
don't attend her school. Poised, articulate, and determined,
Abdel-Wahab is a powerful role model.
--
Darian Hickman
http://www.darianhickman.com
cell: (703) 201-0524
work: (703) 742-7660
Dina Abdel-Wahab is enabling those with special needs to become fully
integrated, contributing citizens in Egypt
Dina Abdel-Wahab is pioneering the integration of special needs
children with "normal" children in schools, a first important step
toward achieving society-wide integration in Egypt. She recognizes
that the early preschool years offer an especially promising
opportunity to change attitudes, pave the way for broader societal
reform, and set a different expectation of normalcy early in life.
At least two million Egyptians are disabled or have special needs as a
result of genetic or neurological problems, and half of these are
children. Only about one percent of children and adults with special
needs receive services from the government and citizen sector
organizations.
Rather than focusing narrowly on special needs, Abdel- Wahab focuses
broadly on excellence in learning for all children. This produces
schools that attract parents of "normal" students because the quality
of education for all children is excellent. Children learn and play
together in a stimulating environment, developing friendships with
classmates who may have autism or a severe learning disability. The
adults—teachers and parents—also learn to see special needs in a far
more tolerant light.
Abdel-Wahab plans to spread her idea to a regional network of
preschools throughout the Middle East and, with the help of parents
and supporters, to influence public policy and opinion through
advocacy and education. She is establishing an association that raises
awareness, addresses policy issues such as changing the law that
blocks school-based inclusion, and provides advanced and continuous
training to teachers.
Abdel-Wahab operates a preschool in Cairo and within five years she
plans to further consolidate and spread her idea by opening three more
schools in Egypt and one in another Arab country. She will raise funds
from private business and by having some parents as shareholders.
Within fi ve years, she expects to ensure that at least one percent of
all children with special needs are integrated into schools and at
least ten percent of Egypt's teachers know how to work in an
integrated classroom.
Abdel-Wahab is the mother of a five-year-old with Down's syndrome. She
and her son had to travel to France and to the United States for tests
and development skills assessments. During this period, she learned of
practices, treatments, and educational opportunities available in
other settings to children with Down's syndrome. She draws parents
into an informal support group that extends to parents of children who
don't attend her school. Poised, articulate, and determined,
Abdel-Wahab is a powerful role model.
--
Darian Hickman
http://www.darianhickman.com
cell: (703) 201-0524
work: (703) 742-7660
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