Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States Organizes Educational Forum on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Education in Cooperation with Kuwait University

With Broad Academic and Student Participation

Kuwait University, represented by the Center for Educational Development at the College of Education, participated in the Educational Forum on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Education, organized by the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States with the support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) on September 20 and 21.

The forum was attended by the Director of the Arab Center for Educational Research for the Gulf States, Dr. Mohammed Al-Sharika, the Acting Dean of the College of Education at Kuwait University, Prof. Dr. Suad Al-Furaih, the Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education, Hamad Al-Hamad, and Sheikha Sheikha Al-Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, Honorary President of the Kuwait Disabled Sports Club. The event also brought together a distinguished group of academics, researchers, experts, specialists, and students.

Prof. Dr. Suad Al-Furaih stated that the College of Education’s participation in the forum reflects the importance of scientific and community partnerships in supporting inclusive education. She emphasized that preparing teachers who can effectively address the diverse needs of learners is a key pillar in advancing the educational process and promoting equal opportunities for students.

For his part, Dr. Mohammed Al-Sharika highlighted the importance of bringing together local, Gulf, Arab, and international expertise on a single platform to exchange experiences and successful practices. He noted that such collaboration supports the development of educational policies and practices that promote inclusion and equity for students with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Dr. Omaima Al-Suwaihel, Director of the Center for Educational Development at the College of Education, explained that the Center’s participation aligns with its commitment to supporting educational and community initiatives aimed at enhancing the learning environment and strengthening the principles of inclusive education. She stressed the importance of continued cooperation among academic, research, and community institutions in this field.

Dr. Nadia Al-Riyahi, the forum coordinator from the College of Education at Kuwait University, noted that the event contributed to raising students’ awareness of the importance of including students with disabilities in education. She added that it reinforced values of acceptance, participation, and social responsibility. Furthermore, student involvement in clubs, exhibitions, and accompanying activities provided opportunities to connect academic knowledge with practical experience and community service.

Through its scientific sessions, lectures, and workshops, the forum addressed a range of topics related to inclusive education, assistive technologies, modern teaching methods, teacher preparation, and the development of educational services for students with disabilities. The event featured academics and specialists from Kuwait, GCC countries, several Arab nations, and international universities and academic institutions.

Students from the College of Education also participated in the accompanying exhibition and activities through various student clubs and the (Awareness) Volunteer Team, presenting initiatives and awareness activities focused on inclusion, diversity, and acceptance of differences.

The forum concluded with an emphasis on the importance of strengthening collaboration among educational, research, and community institutions. Participants highlighted the need to benefit from the forum’s outcomes in developing future initiatives and programs that promote a culture of inclusion, empower students with disabilities, and provide an educational environment based on justice and equal opportunities