UAE Down syndrome centre to resume services on Sunday

Dubai - The development center contributes to improving the lives of persons of determination.

Emirates Down Syndrome Association has announced the resumption of work and services provided to its members for the new academic year at the Development Centre for People with Down Syndrome. Registration for the new academic year 2018-2019 will take place at the association's headquarters in Al Qusais 1.
The centre provides specialized, full-time basis early intervention classes for persons of determination, in addition to family counseling, occupational therapy, speech therapy, special education and behavior modification. Classes run from 7:30am to 3:30pm every Sunday to Thursday.
Dr. Manal Jaroor, EDSA Chairperson, praised the support provided by the Easa Al Gurg Charity Foundation and the Union Cooperative Society, which contributed significantly to the development and sustainability of services provided by the development centre.
The development centre began to provide services to people with Down syndrome on October 2009. The number of individual sessions in the field of Allied Therapeutic Services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy), since the centre's establishment has reached over 33,000. This is in addition to the individual sessions that include Family Counseling, Special Education and Behavior Modification.
Salma Kanaan, Executive Director of the Association, confirmed that the centre operates with a clear methodology following the best practices suitable for the Arab environment. In addition, the centre is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, tools and assistive technology devices. Two years ago, the centre launched new services in the field of rehabilitation and educational classes in the early intervention phase (3-5 years), in addition to opening new classes this year for the 6-8 years age group .
She added; the center works to develop the capacities of people with Down syndrome, especially in the early intervention phase, noting that the centre has successfully achieved its main objective in improving the quality of life for people with Down syndrome. The centre provided them with the essential elements that prepare them for academic, social and functional integration.
The centre has integrated 5 children into kindergartens and public schools during the last academic year.

• Dubai