Dubai mom creates special school after son faces rejection by 22 schools

Photo: Instagram/@ranaakkad

A Dubai-based mother, Rana Akkad, transformed her struggles into a mission to support children with special needs after her son, Jad, faced rejection from 22 schools. Diagnosed with autism, Jad struggled to find a school that could cater to his needs. Today, Rana runs a unique center called Jad’s Inclusion, providing a safe and nurturing environment for children like her son, ensuring they never face the hardships he endured.

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Rana, a Syrian expat who moved to Dubai 22 years ago, shared her story about the difficulties she faced in finding an appropriate school for Jad. Although he was non-verbal and exhibited certain behavioral challenges, he had no physical disabilities. Despite trying every type of school, from affordable to elite, and even exploring special needs centers, Rana found that none were suitable. Special needs centers often catered to children with more severe conditions, which caused Jad to regress physically and emotionally.

Rana noticed the first signs of Jad’s condition when he was one and a half years old. He stopped interacting and lost eye contact, and the few words he had started to say, like “mama” and “baba,” disappeared. Eventually, he was diagnosed with autism. The family adapted to his condition, but the search for a school proved to be a constant struggle. After 22 rejections, Jad was finally accepted into a school, but it was later shut down by authorities due to poor standards. Reflecting on that time, Rana said she was willing to accept any option just to give Jad a sense of belonging.

The initial years at the school were manageable, and Jad attended with the help of a shadow teacher. However, over time, his classmates began to exclude him. Rana recalled a heartbreaking moment when she saw Jad watching his friends drive off to a classmate’s house without him. The sadness in his eyes was unbearable, and it was then that she realized she had been fighting the wrong battle. She was trying to fit Jad into a system that wasn’t made for him, driven by her desire for him to belong somewhere, even if it wasn’t the right place.

Determined to create a better environment for Jad and children like him, Rana spent four years planning and learning before opening Modern Alternative Education in 2016. The center began with 11 students, including Jad, and was designed to provide a joyful and inclusive community. She noticed the immediate change in Jad’s demeanor. The joy returned to his eyes, and he found friends and a sense of belonging.

Tragically, Jad passed away two years later. His death, unrelated to his autism, was attributed to a rare condition resembling Sudden Infant Death Syndrome but occurring in adolescence. Despite her immense grief, Rana’s resolve to continue the center’s mission only grew stronger. On what would have been Jad’s 12th birthday, she renamed the center Jad’s Inclusion and planted an olive tree in his memory. She believed Jad was an angel who came into this world with a purpose, and once that mission was fulfilled, he returned to where he belonged.

Jad’s Inclusion is structured like a school but offers tailored programs for children with specific needs. It operates from September to July, providing a mix of academic and life skills training. Classrooms are intentionally small, with six to eight students supported by three to four staff members, ensuring personalized attention. The center also offers free assessments to help parents understand the best options for their children and refers some students to other special needs centers if necessary. Rana emphasizes that every child is unique, and it’s important to find a solution that suits their individual needs.

Through her work, Rana has created a lasting legacy that ensures children like Jad have a place to learn, grow, and belong. Her journey is a testament to the power of a mother’s love and determination to turn personal pain into hope and opportunity for others.

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