When we arrived back in Dubai over 2 years ago, I knew that finding a school for my daughter Ruby (who happens to have Down Syndrome)would be challenging, and yet I truly could not fully embrace the reality of the challenge until I had to experience it myself.
Rejection would have been a polite word to use as time after time I endured ignorance far beyond what I ever expected, along with outdated information and assumptions about what it means to be a child with Down Syndrome in today’s age and go to school.
At the time there were schools who were inclusive, (namely the GEMS group), but this meant that places were few and far between with a limited availability of schools willing to open their doors and hearts to our children.
We were lucky to find a school that would take Ruby initially, but the location and logistics were a nightmare for us, and this meant that she could not attend school with her sisters.
Fast forward 2 years later, and we are happy to say that our 3 children are finally in school together, learning in the same caring and supportive environment.  It was not an easy road, as Dubai still has a long way to go, but there are schools who are willing to take that step forward for inclusion.
I would say that it is paramount that each parent gather as much information as possible when applying for schools for their children with Special needs before relocating to Dubai.  Dubai is still in it’s infancy when it comes to an across the board solution for inclusiveness in schools, but after my experience with Horizon International School, I can say that things are on the rise, and that every door open leaves the possibility for more to open.