Brothers Graduate From Perkins School for the Blind
Ahmed and Abdullah Al Hasban are the first deaf and blind students from the Arab world to earn this honor.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Special Education
Ahmed and Abdullah Al Hasban have achieved a historic milestone as the first deaf and blind students from the Arab world to graduate from the Perkins School for the Blind. The brothers, who reside in the United Arab Emirates, have completed their studies at the esteemed institution.
Why it matters
The graduation marks a significant achievement for international special education and highlights the academic potential of students with multiple sensory disabilities. Their success serves as a landmark moment for families across the Arab world seeking specialized educational opportunities.
Ahmed and Abdullah Al Hasban represent two of the four people of determination within their family unit. Ahmed also completed studies at the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf Blind Youths and Adults in New York.
The players
Ahmed Al Hasban
He is one of the two brothers who made history as the first deaf and blind students from the Arab world to graduate from the Perkins School for the Blind.
Abdullah Al Hasban
He is the brother of Ahmed and shares the historic distinction of being a first-of-its-kind graduate from the Perkins School for the Blind.
Perkins School for the Blind
This is an internationally recognized educational institution that provides specialized services for students who are blind or deaf-blind.
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf Blind Youths and Adults
Located in New York, this center provides specialized training and services to assist individuals who are deaf-blind in achieving personal goals.
The details
Beyond his success at the Perkins School for the Blind, Ahmed Al Hasban also successfully graduated from the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf Blind Youths and Adults. These accomplishments follow years of intensive academic development starting in 2015.
Timeline
Ahmed Al Hasban began his educational journey in 2015.
Culture Shift
This achievement signals a broader shift toward global inclusivity in special education by bridging the gap between Middle Eastern students and Western specialized institutions. It challenges traditional limitations placed on deaf-blind students by demonstrating the efficacy of global educational access.
The success of the Al Hasban brothers provides a roadmap for families in the United Arab Emirates to advocate for similar specialized educational support. It highlights the practical reality that international institutions can be a viable pathway for students with complex sensory needs.
The takeaway
The brothers' success proves that with dedicated support and access to specialized resources, students with sensory impairments can achieve significant academic milestones. Families facing similar circumstances can look to this journey as evidence of the potential for success in international academic programs.
Further reading
Learn more about the progress of global academic inclusivity in our Special Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lovin Dubai.
