The New England Center for Children and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) have agreed to extend NECC’s contract for management of the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education operated by The New England Center for Children, a school and research center for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The school served 184 students in 2017 and expanded to 212 students in 2018.
School changes name
Formerly known as NECC-Abu Dhabi, the Center’s name was changed to recognize the contributions of Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has promoted acceptance and inclusion of people of determination within the UAE under his leadership. The phrase “people of determination” was launched in April 2017 as part of his national strategy for empowering people with disabilities.
“All of us at The New England Center for Children are honored and proud to continue our relationship with Abu Dhabi,” said Vincent Strully, Jr., President and CEO of NECC. “We look forward to continuing our mission: Providing world-class ABA expertise and education services to children with autism and training UAE nationals to do the same in Arabic.”
History
The partnership between Abu Dhabi and NECC began in 1997, when NECC was asked to provide a private consulting program in the region. Ten years later, in 2007, NECC-Abu Dhabi was established in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, UAE, to replicate the comprehensive range of applied behavior analysis (ABA) educational services, graduate training, and autism research available at NECC Southborough.
Over the last decade, UAE leaders and the Abu Dhabi government have aimed to offer all children the best services possible, with emphasis on education, regardless of their status or condition. The Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education operated by The New England Center for Children continues this practice by offering the world’s best education services to UAE National children affected by autism.
Read the full press release here.