Parents hail 'inclusiveness' of Dubai Expo 2020 event

Dubai - It was recently announced there will be dedicated rooms across the expo site for visitors on the autism spectrum or prone to sensory overload.

Parents who have children with autism have welcomed the UAE's move of making the Expo 2020 Dubai "inclusive".
It was recently announced there will be dedicated rooms across the expo site for visitors on the autism spectrum or prone to sensory overload.
The announcement came after Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, visited the new building of Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) in Al Garhoud.
"In line with our leadership's vision, we aim to host an inclusive Expo - an Expo for all. We have dedicated four respite rooms across the Expo 2020 Dubai site to care for those visitors on the autistic spectrum or prone to sensory overload. These rooms will be designed by the DAC," she said.
Mirna Chehab Daaboul, parent of an autistic child in Dubai, said: "It's a good initiative to think about people of determination. It give us a sense of belonging and that someone is thinking of us - giving a voice to those who do not have one.
"I am very pleased to know about the initiative and to even know that someone out there is thinking about the benefit of my son and how to make the world a better and adaptable place for him.
"We feel recognised and proud and also feel blessed in this country where differentiation is accepted and respected. It's a great message of inclusion that lights up the future of those whose future are in doubt."
Ahmed Dawood, a teen in Dubai who has a brother with autism, said: "I think it's great to see these measures are taking place to make people with determination feel included in the modern day society."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai