A Comparative Study of Intervention Protocols for Individuals with Special Needs in the West Bank and Palestinian Territories Inside the Green Line

الملخص

This study aims to compare special education practices between the West Bank and Palestinian areas within the Green Line, highlighting significant differences in services provided to individuals with special needs. While special education within the Green Line has achieved notable success, West Bank faces challenges that impact on service quality. The study seeks to analyze the reasons behind disparities in diagnosis and classification and explore ways to improve special education mechanisms in the West Bank by adopting best practices from the Green Line.

A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with eight special education specialists, evenly divided between the two regions. The findings revealed that diagnostic differences stem from social, political, and economic factors. The West Bank struggles with limited funding and diagnostic tools, whereas the Green Line benefits from greater support. Cultural factors also influence how individuals with special needs are classified and supported. Additionally, the study emphasized the need to raise public awareness about this group.

The study recommends standardizing diagnostic tools, developing specialized training programs for professionals, enhancing cultural and knowledge exchange, launching awareness campaigns, and increasing government support for special education programs. It also highlights the importance of academic collaboration between the Arab American University and specialists to facilitate knowledge-sharing.

This research paves the way for further studies on the impact of standardized diagnostic tools on service quality and the cultural barriers hindering the full integration of individuals with special needs into Palestinian society.