Students of Determination: what the 2026-27 registration rules mean for therapists
What changed
The headline is process, not principle. Inclusive education was already policy. What is new is a defined regulatory framework for how students are registered, assessed and supported, with named centres and a stated turnaround for evaluation and diagnosis.
Reported elements include a set of 11 requirements strengthening inclusive education for 2026-27, and completion of evaluation and diagnosis at Inclusive Education Support Centres within 15 working days.
Who this creates work for
- Special educators writing and delivering individualised plans.
- Shadow teachers and inclusion assistants supporting students one to one in mainstream classrooms.
- Learning support assistants working across groups and classes.
- Speech and language therapists, as communication needs are identified through structured screening.
- Occupational therapists, particularly around sensory and motor access to the curriculum.
- Behaviour support staff where behaviour is part of the support plan.
- Educational psychologists and assessors involved in evaluation itself.
What schools will expect from you
A more regulated assessment process raises documentation standards across the board. If you are applying into school-based work, expect employers to care about:
- Experience writing and reviewing individualised education plans.
- Comfort working to a formal assessment and review cycle rather than ad hoc support.
- Multidisciplinary working, since plans typically involve several professions at once.
- Clear record keeping, because the school has to evidence provision.
- Parent communication, which is a substantial part of these roles in the UAE.
Licensing note
School-based special education roles are usually regulated through the school and its education regulator rather than a health authority licence. Counselling-type roles in Abu Dhabi can fall under DCD. Clinical therapy delivered in a health facility remains DHA, DOH or MOHAP depending on emirate. Ask the employer which applies before you apply for anything.
How to position yourself
Two practical moves. First, get your attestation done early, because schools generally require attested qualifications and it has its own timeline. Second, make your IEP and assessment experience explicit on your CV rather than burying it under a generic job title, since that is now the differentiator schools are screening for.
Common questions
What are Students of Determination in the UAE?
It is the term used in the UAE for students with disabilities or additional learning needs. The framework covers their registration, assessment and support in schools, including through Inclusive Education Support Centres.
Do special educators need a health authority licence in the UAE?
Usually not. School-based special education roles are generally regulated through the school and its education regulator. Counselling-type roles in Abu Dhabi can fall under DCD, and clinical therapy in a health facility falls under DHA, DOH or MOHAP. Confirm with the employer.
Will the 2026-27 registration changes create more therapy jobs?
More structured assessment tends to identify more need and generate formal support plans, which require staff to deliver them. That points toward more demand for special educators, shadow teachers and school-based therapy, though no specific hiring numbers have been published.
Looking for a therapy role in the UAE?
TheraLoom is an independent talent network for therapy, rehabilitation and special education professionals. Free for candidates, and your CV is never published or browsable.
Upload your CV