Action Plan for an Inclusive Education Policy for the State of Qatar

Qatar has made significant progress in supporting people with disabilities, ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and adopting Law No. 2 for 2004, which addresses their rights. The country has embraced initiatives like “Education for All” and committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, the impact of these policies varies, reflecting a global trend where inclusion models differ significantly. Some children with disabilities in Qatar attend regular classrooms, while others, especially those with learning disabilities, are placed in specialized settings. There is also a lack of awareness among school staff and employers about including students and persons with disabilities in mainstream environments. This report reviews inclusive education and employment policies in Qatar, comparing them with Jordan and the UAE. Key educational stakeholders, including teachers, policymakers, and researchers, provided insights through a policy engagement forum and interviews. The final stage of data collection was an interactive session at the WISE 2023 Summit in Doha, where participants reflected on action points for developing an inclusive education and employment policy. The findings highlight Qatar’s strong legal framework but reveal varied implementation and gaps in standardized approaches. Lessons from Jordan and the UAE suggest innovative practices that could inform Qatar’s strategy. Stakeholders emphasized the need for better collaboration, teacher training, public awareness, and inclusive infrastructure.