Greetings from Sunshine Learning Difficulties Center and American University in the Emirates. It is our pleasure and honour to welcome you to register for the “Building Bridges: Pathways to an Inclusive Society Forum (BBPISF) that will be held on Thursday, June 23rd, 2022, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, at Dubai Police Academy, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Sufouh 2, Dubai, UAE.
ABOUT AUE
American University in the Emirates
Founded in 2006, the American University in the Emirates (AUE) is a coeducational undergraduate and graduate degree-granting institution based in the heart of the Dubai International Academic City. With state-of-the art infrastructure and equipment, an exceptional faculty of instructors and administrators, and a thriving student body, the AUE provides an integrated pathway for students to become truly global citizens— certain to bring value to any organization in the world.
The BBPISF is organized in cooperation between the Sunshine Learning Difficulties Center and the American University in the Emirates.
Main Forum Themes:
- Inclusion developments regarding special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in educational settings
- Serving the needs of gifted and talented (G&T) individuals
- Wellness and well-being of the caregiver who supports SEND and G&T individuals
In inclusive societies, differences should be mitigated by providing access and opportunities to individuals who have a variety of abilities so that they can effectively be productive members of the community. Special accommodations should be considered with an emphasis on building relationships within the society to enable a positive exchange and balance of services that promote growth and remove barriers.
This forum is open to all people in the community. There are certificates available for purchase for those who wish to have professional development credit toward various licensures. Vendors are also welcome to participate.
ABOUT BBPISF
AGENDA
Opening & Keynote Speakers
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Opening Remarks: Provost William Cornwell
10:15 AM – 10:35 AM – Keynote Speaker 1: Dr. Hussain Ali Maseeh
10:35 AM – 10:55 AM – Keynote Speaker 2: Dr. Amjed Abojedi
10:55 AM – 11:15 AM – Keynote Speaker 3: Dr. Wael Ali
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM – Morning break
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Panel Discussion 1: Special Educational Needs and Disability
| Name | Role | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Bisma Qazi | Deputy SEND Teacher | British Orchard Nursery |
| Eunice Payne | Special Education Specialist | Ignite School |
| Madiha Arshad | Head of Inclusion | International Academic School |
| Beth Widdrington | Managing Director of SEND Recruitment / Associate Director of TEAM TEACH | SEND Recruitment UK |
| Marcheta G. Hightower, M.Ed. | Moderator - Director of Special Education Programs/Co-Founder | Sunshine Learning Difficulties Center |
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Lunch break / Networking
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM – Panel Discussion 2: Gifted and Talented Individuals
| Name | Role | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Safal Sharma | Musician Sound Healer | Self Employed Kuwait |
| Alexandra Williams | Artist / International Baccalaureate Art Teacher | Dar Al Mareefa Private School |
| Sarah Mercer | Olympian / Gymnast Coach | Simply Gymnastics |
| Andaleeb Ishteyaq | Head of Inclusion | JSS Private School |
| Cristina Yolande Van Der Merwe | Interior Designer | Uptown Interiors Trading L.L.C. |
| Marcheta G. Hightower, M.Ed. | Moderator - Director of Special Education Programs/Co-Founder | Sunshine Learning Difficulties Center |
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM – Afternoon break
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM – Panel Discussion 3: Wellness and Wellbeing of Caregivers
| Name | Role | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Stephanie Hamilton | Parent Advocate/Consultant | Touch |
| Prathna Singh | Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist | Vivamus |
| Hesborn Onchieku | Owner and Founder | Bantuuz Holidays |
| Dr. Annita Sani | Moderator / Psychologist | Sunshine Learning Difficulties Center |
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM – Closing Remarks
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Networking
Contact Us
Dubai International Academic City,
P.O. Box: 503000, Dubai, UAE
T: +971 4 4499 000 F: +971 4 4291 205
E: [email protected] Toll free 800AUE (283)
Whatsapp:https://wa.me/97144499099