Alternative Pathways Conference

The University of Birmingham Dubai is hosting a week-long series of lectures, workshops and panel discussions about alternative pathways and transition planning.

The Alternative Pathways Conference will take place from Sunday 13th - Wednesday 16th June and will bring together expert academic staff from our Edgbaston and Dubai campus along with prominent guest speakers representing employers across the UAE for a series of events to help make the student journey a success. 

At the end of each session, there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions of our experts and we encourage you to gather as professional groups in your schools, or across organisations to continue the conversation off screen as well. We look forward to seeing you there!

Alternative Pathways Panel Discussion - Sunday 13th June, 16:30 - 18:00

 Join representatives from multiple curriculum perspectives to understand how we can create inclusive secondary programming. 

Guest speakers include Kamal Bodhanker, Head of International Development at NASEN, Kristen Pelletier, Interim Head of Student Support Services at International School of Brussels and Karen Hudspith, International Development Manager at ASDAN and Dr. John McNaught from I’m Determined Project. 

 Register here to secure your place

Transitions Workshop - Monday 14th June, 16:30 - 18:00

University of Birmingham lecturers, Dr. Sarah Benson and Dr. Graeme Dobson will lead school professionals through a lecture followed by a workshop to support transitions throughout the education journey.

 Register here to secure your place

Adults with Autism and Community Supports - Tuesday 15th June, 16:30 - 18:00 

Leading researchers in Autism, Autistic adults and community organizations will join us this evening to discuss how families and communities can continue to support Autistic individuals in the post-secondary world.

Moderated by Karen Guldberg, Professor in Autism Studies, University of Birmingham and joined by panellists Dr Andrea Macleod, Lecturer in Autism, University of Birmingham, Barbara Sandland, parent and Ms. Haleema Amin from Al-Jalila Foundation Ta’alouf Program.

Al-Jalila Foundation Ta’alouf Program

Ta’alouf means harmony in Arabic and we bring this spirit to life by working in unison with strategic partners, parents, educators and the wider community to empower children of determination (mental disabilities). Instead of being weighed down by their disorders, these children can rise above their disabilities and discover hidden abilities. 

Ta’alouf supports the Dubai vision and UAE Strategy to include people of determination in society and education, including enhancing their chances to have a meaningful life. 

Al Jalila Foundation has developed two Ta’alouf flagship Training Programs: 

  1. Ta’alouf Parent Training Program (strategies in managing needs and behaviour)
  2. Ta’alouf Teacher Training Program (implementing inclusion)

Register here to secure your place 

Inclusive Employment - Wednesday 16th June, 16:30 - 18:00

This evening brings together inclusive employers from around the UAE to discuss the importance of inclusive employment, why and how they created opportunities for students and people of determination in their organizations.

Panelists include Ms. Renate Baur-Richter of the SEDRA Foundation, Sreen Ahmed from Barclays Bank and representatives from the social enterprise Thrift for Good, along with global inclusive employment specialists Brian Abery and Renata Ticha from the University of Minnesota. 

This conversation will be moderated by Ben Bailey, Campus Director and Dr. Sarah Benson, Inclusion and Special Education Needs Programme Director. 

Register here to secure your place

Find out more about our Inclusion and Special Educational Needs Programmes

Also in 'Events'