NECC Continues Management of Top Autism Services and Graduate Training Program in the United Arab Emirates
Southborough, Mass. – September 18, 2018 – The New England Center for Children® (NECC®), a global leader in education for children with autism, announced today an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) 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.
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.
“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.”
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 educational services, graduate training, and research available at NECC Southborough.
NECC has been cited by the U.S. Department of Education as a model for professional development for on-site graduate training programs. NECC’s professional training program has resulted in numerous UAE nationals developing advanced skills and expertise in effective autism treatment.
Today, the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education operated by The New England Center for Children provides a full spectrum of services based on the proven scientific principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with ASD ages three and older, including early assessment and intervention to achieve best possible outcomes; preschool programming; family support services; research to support clinical best practices in education and treatment; and international consulting services. Last year, Abu Dhabi staff shared their expertise by giving 13 conference presentations in four countries.
The Center is also active in the community, supporting the Special Olympics, UAE National Sports Day, community markets, and art shows. For more information on local activities, visit https://www.facebook.com/NECCAbuDhabi/.
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.
About Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge was established with reference to the Amiri decree issued in September 2017, to change the name of the Abu Dhabi Education Council to the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). ADEK’s main role is to sustain Abu Dhabi’s leading position as a socio-economic hub with emphasis on nurturing future leaders via a cutting-edge national education curriculum which incorporates high quality learning outcomes, while promoting a culture of creativity, sustainability and excellence, with focus on developing human, social and economic capabilities.
About The New England Center for Children
The New England Center for Children® (NECC®) is a world leader in education, research, and technology for children with autism. For more than 40 years, our community of teachers, researchers, and clinicians have been transforming lives and offering hope to children with autism and their families. NECC’s award-winning services include home-based, day, and residential programs; public school partnerships and consulting; the John and Diane Kim Autism Institute; the ACE® ABA Software System (www.acenecc.org) currently used by more than 6,100 students and teachers in 27 states and 10 countries; and ABAplus®, an online professional learning platform for educators. NECC received the 2017 Award for International Dissemination of Behavior Analysis from the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis (SABA). A 501c3 non-profit, The New England Center for Children is based in Southborough, MA, and operates a center in Abu Dhabi, UAE. More information is available at www.necc.org. A video on NECC’s global presence and their impact on children and families may be viewed at https://youtu.be/P4SZpMzFGdw. More information is available at www.necc.org
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Contact:
Michele Hart
The New England Center for Children
(508) 481-1015 x4049
[email protected]