In 1982, the idea to launch a service to facilitate children with special needs was born out of the determination of a few parents who rented a villa in Jumeirah. Accommodating only 5 students, the center was called ‘5 Aces’ and became the hub for special needs students to learn and grow. Demand for specialized education continued to increase and 5 Aces grew to support more than 40 students and was renamed Aseef School.
Less than a decade later, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Commander-Military Command, very generously donated 300,000 sq ft piece of land. This contribution meant we could build a center big enough for 200 students. By 1995 this land along with further donations from the community made it possible to create a purpose-built facility known today as The Dubai Center for Special Needs (DCSN).
Over the years, DCSN had received support from H.H the late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and continues to receive support and encouragement from H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the U.A.E, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
DCSN aims to serve the diverse academic, physical, social and emotional needs of our students. All aspects of our organization’s curriculum and activities are child-centered, designed to assist individual learning styles to achieve success.
Our team seeks to enhance the quality of life of individuals with special needs and their families by:
Promoting their independence, productivity, empowerment and social participation within the community
Offering high quality, effective community-based programs and social support services to individuals and their families
Encouraging the prevention of disabilities through training and public awareness
Providing advocacy, inter-disciplinary training, technical assistance and sharing relevant information to meet the goals above
At DCSN we are a community of friends and commit to provide each student the key to a positive life, lighting the path to a brighter future.
Split into four sections, our students will be in one of the following class groups: Nursery, Academic, Prevocational or Multi-Sensory. Each section sets specific goals for the year as well as monthly educational themes.
Therapy plays a vital role in the growth of our students. We have several dedicated therapists who work with students on a daily basis to improve their skills. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy sessions are scheduled on a regular basis depending on each student’s needs.
Art and music are also integral parts of students’ learning and therapy. Students learn to paint, make pottery, participate in wood-working and play instruments. These various art forms play an important role in physical development, building self-confidence and gaining new life skills.
We also have a fully equipped fitness center and swimming pool which are managed by qualified Physical Education teachers to promote physical wellness.
DCSN has many other resources including a medical clinic, observation room, music room, home economics room, woodworking shop, pottery kiln, IT lab and a well stocked library.
Additionally, DCSN students operate a Tuck Shop selling healthy foods such as salads and sandwiches. Operating the Tuck Shop everyday boosts students’ confidence, social skills, business sense and math skills.
These facilities along with our emphasis on therapy, education, social skills, environment, nutrition and play makes DCSN a holistic and encouraging environment tailored to each student’s abilities.
For Public Relations, Donations and CSR contact: pr@dcsneeds.com, For Human Resources please contact: hr@dcsneeds.com, For other inquiries contact: information@dcsneeds.com, Tel.: +971-4-344 0966, Fax: +971-4-344 1861, P.O. Box 24921
Dubai, United Arab Emirates