• Home
• /
• Entertainment

A forum to understand children with Down Syndrome better

UNDER THE patronage of Shaikha Manal bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, President of Dubai Women Establishment...

The UAE Down Syndrome Association organised the second UAE Down Syndrome Forum, to celebrate the World Down Syndrome Day. The second UAE Down Syndrome Forum held on 31 March at the Dubai Knowledge Village Conference Hall.

Dr. Mariam Matar, President of the UAE Down Syndrome Association said: 'Organising conferences and forums to discuss Down Syndrome is one of the most important strategic objectives of our association. Through this forum, we aim to encourage further dialogue on the subject, and explore avenues to realise our underlying vision and ensure the integration of people with Down Syndrome in the community.

'Prominent specialists and experts will participate in the forum to discuss ways of dealing with people with down syndrome. They will also tackle latest developments through seminars and workshops. The forum will provide Down Syndrome families with suggestions on effective ways to handle their children.'

The forum's agenda will include three major workshops on the role of sport and healthy nutrition for Down Syndrome patients; the importance of integrating people with Down Syndrome in schools and society and the psychological development of Down Syndrome teenagers.

Sonia Al Hashimi, Vice President, UAE Down Syndrome Association said: 'The Association is keen to enhance its role at the local level, and to expand its relations with the local, regional and international institutions that deal with people with Down Syndrom. We are confident this forum will serve as a vital platform to exchange ideas and experiences for the benefit of our members and the UAE society at large.'

Eman Gaad, Managing Director of the UAE Down Syndrome Association said: 'The responsibility of raising Down Syndrome children is a shared task between the family and the society. The Association plays a crucial role in helping families manage those with Down Syndrome, and rehabilitate them as productive components of the community.

There is no difference between Down Syndrome children and other children, they all share the same value, humanity and the right to live a dignified life in an emphatic world.'

The UAE Down Syndrome Association organised last Thursday IQ Evaluation for people with Down Syndrome at Dubai Ladies Club by Dr. Husam Sedqi Specialist in Down Syndrome. The UAE Down Syndrome Association seeks to increase awareness of the syndrome. It also aims to encourage dealing with patients as normal individuals and opposes any attempt to keep them away from social life, especially in schools and workplaces.