The Future of Education

               Early access to rehabilitation services is considered vital for the development of children with disabilities. However, studies on parental involvement in the early development of children with disabilities has been rarely studied in non-Western contexts. Guided by Epstein’s model of involvement, the goal of this study was to explore the early years involvement of parents in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Eighteen parents raising children with disabilities in the early developmental years participated in this study. Oneto-one interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with the study participants. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The tenets of parental involvement model (parenting, decision-making, collaboration, communication, home support, and volunteering), which guided the development of the semi-structured interview guide, were used as themes. The results revealed both opportunities and challenges faced by parents of children with disabilities. The opportunities are related to parents’ commitment towards parenting and providing home-learning support. The challenges are associated with collaboration, decision-making, and volunteering in schools. This study concludes with a suggestion for national consultation to deliberate on collaboration and volunteering approaches which are culturally appropriate in the context of the study. Other implications of the study findings are also discussed.