Year 4 B Ed Students visit Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs Center (ZHO)

In support of their Special Needs Class studies, Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) Year 4 Bachelor of Education (BEd) students recently observed children and young adults with special needs and the range of services offered at the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs Centre (ZHO). The students visited more than six departments ranging from Early Intervention to Occupational Therapy and Vocational Training on their first visit. On their second visit, spent time in the Autism Center where they received a specialist presentation on the autism spectrum delivered by a member of staff. They were alsogiven the opportunity toobserve behavioral therapy techniques to modify repetitive behavior for this population.   

Faculty teaching the course in Special Needs: Dr. Lilly Tennant, Dr. Fiona Baker and Dr. Mohamed Taha emphasized the importance of these observational visits that the students have been studying to develop an awareness of a range of disabilities on their B Ed program. “They have studied Intellectual Disability, Autism and are now moving on to Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These visits help their understanding by observing and interacting with the children and employees in the center. These opportunities provided first hand experience as students saw learners involved in a range of activities including the use of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) system for individuals with autism, Individualized Education Plans for the primary section, and the delivery of the ADEC curriculum at primary school level with appropriate modifications for the hearing impaired. Students’ knowledge of disabilities developed through these visits, as for many, it was their first real-life experience. It was one of the most rewarding weeks to date as for many students the visits were highly engaging and informative,” said Dr. Fiona Baker.

Dr. Robert Thompson, Dean, Academic further added, “Being a specialist teacher-training college, ECAE aims to enrich student teachers’ learning experiences through such links in the community. We strive to develop a well-rounded teacher who is confident and knowledgeable about the range of special needs, and more importantly, understands children and educational considerations. The Bachelor of Education courses we offer, along with the 20-week practicum at local schools, form a strong foundation, enabling students to acquire the teaching competencies of a good teacher. Special Needs is built on this firm foundation of educational study and experience. We are fortunate to have benefitted from the knowledge and commitment of the dedicated staff at the center. There is nothing like being able to interact with children and the professionals who know the individuals best and work with them the most.”

Several college students signed up to be volunteers to gain a richer experience with the students with special needs.Ghada and Shaikha were among the female students who expressed their interest in the Autism Center, its children, and its work.  “It was really emotional at first. I really didn’t understand the repetitive behaviors I was observing which I now know are characteristic of autism. I can see that the sports therapies are improving these behaviors to help these children. The staff are doing wonderful work and the children are making progress,” said Ghada.

The students also appreciated the work skills the trainee ladies were gaining at the Vocational Training Center. In a discussion about the ladies’ candle making, the students commended the work quality and creativity of what these people can do. “They can do more than us. We can’t make a candle, but I would certainly buy these for my wedding,” said Shaikha.

Commenting on their experience of being in the sensory room, students expressed their joy in observing a range of equipment that was on offer to support children’s well-being and learning, and were keen to see such spaces set up in mainstream schools.

On leaving the occupational therapy department, Nahla said: “The visit was a great eye opener, and I am now able to better understand learners with special needs and the provisions that support them. I had no idea that there is special everyday furniture and tools specially designed for children’s needs. I had never seen them before. I liked the adapted knives and forks.”Aisha, who volunteers at the center added, “My dream is to become a special needs teacher.”

Finally, Mahastated, “The Centre’s mission is working with the help of the staff who are all very happy and caring people. I was impressed by their enthusiasm and energy. Most of all, this experience has made me think how fortunate we are, and how we should give thanks every day we wake up. For many of us, this was our first real opportunity to visit a center like this, and I know that many are leaving with thoughts of continuing to build their knowledge and experience.”