Enhancing Services for Students with Mild Disabilities in the Middle East Gulf Region: A Kuwait Initiative

At a conference, titled: "Childhood Disabilities: Assessment and Early Intervention" held between March 20-22, 2006, at Kuwait University, a range of discussion topics were considered that would enhance and design specific best practices in special education for the Middle East Arab Gulf region. Governmental representatives, post-secondary educators, educational specialist, teachers, administrators, parents and concerned citizens grappled with past, current and future educational practices in an attempt to enhance educational services for students with special needs in the Middle East Arab Gulf region. Five distinct topical areas focused on assessment and diagnosis, early intervention, educational strategies, professional development and community awareness as areas of importance. Keynote speakers were drawn from educational specialists in the Middle East Arab Gulf region as well as selected individuals with expertise in best practices from the United States. As a result of the presentations and discussions, recommendations were compiled for implementation. (Contains 1 table.)