Early intervention classes in Dubai for Down syndrome children

For the new academic year, the Dubai-based Emirates Down Syndrome Association (ESDA) headquartered in Al Ghusais has announced the resumption of work and services provided to its members at its Development Center for People with Down syndrome.

According to Salma Kanaan, executive director of the Association, the center had launched new services in the field of rehabilitation and educational classes in the early intervention phase (3-5 years), two years ago.

This year, it has opened new classes for the age group of 6 to 8 years.

The center, distinguished by a multidisciplinary team of qualified professionals, provides specialized, full-time basis early intervention classes for people of determination.

In addition, family counselling, occupational therapy, speech therapy, special education and behavior modification sessions are conducted.

A press release said that classes are run from 7:30am to 3:30pm Sunday to Thursday.

Of the 69 beneficiaries who were accepted during the last 2017-2018 season, five children were integrated into kindergartens and public schools.

Dr. Manal Jaroor, ESDA chairperson, said the development center began to provide services to people with Down syndrome of all nationalities in October 2009. Since the center’s establishment until today the number of individual sessions offered in the field of Allied Therapeutic Services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy) is more than 33,000.

This is in addition to the individual sessions that include family counselling, special education and behavior modification.

Jaroor also praised the support provided by the association’s strategic partners, 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 center.