Job Discussion Forums

[cheekybirdy]

I'm an EFL teacher and thinking of moving to the UAE or Oman with my 3 year old daughter who has a missing left hand. I would like to know 2 things. Firstly, what is the general reaction to disabled people in these places and secondly why do education institutions always ask if any of your dependents have disabilities or medical conditions? Is it a form of discrimination or is it for insurance purposes?

[veiledsentiments]

Children are treated especially well in the Middle East. It is a child oriented culture. Also, because traditionally marriage between cousins was the norm, children with various problems are not unusual. (this is fortunately changing and I found most university students to be very aware of this)

Since this is a relatively minor physical disability, I wouldn't think it would be a problem. Because employers are responsible for you and your dependents, naturally they would want to avoid hiring someone with a child that required expensive medical care or special education. Child education fees are normally a set amount anyway, and you would have to pay any extras - but the medical costs could end up their responsibility. They would also want to know if it would interfere with your work. I think these are perfectly legitimate questions for them to ask.

So, I would say that your child would be treated well. The only problem could be that if she required special training or equipment, it may not be available or it would be at your expense and initiative to locate there.

BTW, one issue would be that 'special education' there is most probably (certainly?) only done at Arabic speaking institutions. They have no responsibility to provide something like this to English speaking expats.

VS

[cheekybirdy]

Thanks for your advice VS.

[stoth1972]

There are now a few private schools in the UAE (English-speaking) that are opening their doors to children w/ special needs. I was just visiting my friend's school a few weeks ago (Uptown Mirdif in Dubai) and her class had children of various mental ages, some w/ physical limitations. While the school is somewhat accommodating, children that require extra attention (a full-time assistant) will cost more. In one case, a family whose son has physical and developmental challenges pays 1/2 the salary of the assistant (on top of tuition) and the school pays the rest.

If your daughter can get by on her own for most of the day, I don't think you'll hit any proverbial speed bumps when placing her into a school. And to echo the sentiments of VS, children are adored in the region. She should do just fine.