ACCEL Partners with Ma’arif Education, Expanding into Riyadh to Create Multi-Tiered Support System for Special Education Saudi Arabia

(PHOENIX—Mar. 28, 2022)  ACCEL, a nonprofit organization serving children and adults who have developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, cognitive disabilities and behavioral disorders, has expanded its international presence by partnering with Ma’arif, a special education group, to create a multi-tiered education support system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ma’arif Education is one of the largest education companies in Saudi Arabia with a legacy of more than 50 years in K12 education. The partnership will establish a multi-tier support system for special needs education in Saudi Arabia, beginning with the Manarat Riyadh School. This support program is the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and part of the education sector development under Vision 2030.

This will be the second location for ACCEL in the Kingdom. ACCEL International and Saudi Aramco serve more than 100 students who have developmental disabilities at the Ajyal Center for Comprehensive Education and Life Skills in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.  The Ajyal Center provides high-quality therapeutic and educational services to children who have developmental disabilities.

“With a global average of nearly 15% of students requiring special support in the classroom, a comprehensive education system cannot be complete without this as a focal point,” said Raymond Damm, ACCEL’s chief executive officer.   “Our vision for offering this service and building on Ma’arif’s leading position in the industry shows their commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service.”

The Kingdom has an estimated 800,000 – 1 million students who require special supports to properly access curriculum to reach their fullest potential and this is a massive step, and the first, in aiding those students in their journey.

ACCEL’s innovative and proven approach will go well beyond simply having an assistant to the student – it will involve holistic assessments, evaluations, and therapeutic professionals to ensure students receive all the support necessary.

“The goal of this initiative is to provide the best possible care to our students, and over time, roll out the programs to the rest of the Ma’arif Education schools, as a proven model for a comprehensive education system, that doesn’t leave any child behind” stated Ihab Osman, Ma’arif Education’s CEO.

The inclusive educational program will provide intervention and support for: speech, language, communication requirements, behavioral (emotional and social), Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), moderate learning difficulties, severe and multiple learning difficulties, and multi-sensory impairment.

“At ACCEL, our vision is for all students to have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.  And this partnership with Ma’arif will help us do just that,” said Damm.

About ACCEL

ACCEL is dedicated to helping children and adults who have developmental disabilities achieve a life of dignity and self-worth. ACCEL provides innovative, individualized and comprehensive educational, therapeutic, employment, behavioral, life skills, and transitional services to individuals who have developmental disabilities.

About Ma’arif Education:

Over its 50-year history, Ma’arif has enriched the lives of tens of thousands of families across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with rigorous national and international education delivered via Manarat Schools, Al Faisaliah Schools, Green Hills International Schools, Nour Al Islam Schools, and GEMS Saudi International Schools.

Ma’arif strives hard to achieve academic excellence and to provide its students with an exceptional educational environment and a well-rounded experience that empowers them to become active and effective leaders in their communities and society with a progressive global outlook while embodying a proud and genuine Saudi identity.

Ma’arif currently operates 13 educational campuses throughout the Kingdom that includes 74 different national and international kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high schools for girls and boys, that serves 20,000 students, and employs over 2,200 teaching and academic staff.