Here at DHA, Inclusion is at the core of everything we do. We are proud to be taking part in the Unified Champions Schools program which is a nationwide initiative set up by the Special Olympics. As quoted from the Special Olympics website, the program is “aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions. This is accomplished by implementing inclusive sports, inclusive youth leadership opportunities, and whole school engagement. The program is designed to be woven into the fabric of the school, enhancing current efforts and providing rich opportunities that lead to meaningful change in creating a socially inclusive school that supports and engages all learners.”
Our Unified Champions Team here at DHA covers the inclusive youth leadership strand of Unified Champion Schools. We hold regular meetings with the team to share and discuss ideas. The children worked collaboratively to set up the ‘Break Time Buddies’ initiative which sees them taking part in a weekly duty to support younger pupils and their own peer group during lunch break. We are excited about how Unified Champions will continue to flourish and very grateful for the team’s enthusiasm and efforts in making DHA inclusive for everyone.
Meet POD our school mascot for Inclusion! POD is helping our pupils to learn about different types of Special Educational Needs. We engage in story time and whole school assemblies with POD’s stories to help children to understand different emotions, behaviours, to develop empathy and to learn about social skills and different ways to help, encourage and support their peers. POD helps us to celebrate our diversity and to see our unique differences as our strengths. We recognise the inclusive efforts of our pupils in our Inclusion Champions award during weekly school assemblies.
“The inclusive school will be proactive in identifying barriers which restrict students’ achievement, participation and learning, and will take action to remove obstacles which lead to educational exclusion.”
“An inclusive school honours diversity and respects all individuals.”
Dubai Heights Academy is committed to providing an outstanding inclusive education to pupils of determination. Some of our priority objectives include;
