Announcing the agenda and details of the International Scientific Conference
- Organized in scientific partnership with California State University– Chico, and Sharjah Education Academy.
- Mona Al-Yafei: The conference is a knowledge platform to raise the level of training and skills programs for people with disabilities.
- It addresses 4 main topics covered in 18 working papers by 26 researchers with the participation and presence of an elite group of experts and specialists.
On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) held a press conference at the Sharjah Education Academy to announce the agenda and details of the international scientific conference “Theory and Practice in Adapted Physical Education (APE)”, which SCHS is organizing on the 6th and 7th of next March under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the Federation and Ruler of Sharjah. SCHIS is organizing the event in scientific partnership with California State University– Chico, and Sharjah Education Academy.
The purpose of the conference is to increase awareness of the most recent advancements and cutting-edge approaches in the field of APE for individuals with disabilities, including those with intellectual impairments, autism spectrum disorders, and severe and multiple disabilities. The conference also guides the advancement of offered services and activities by showcasing them, disseminating fresh information, and sharing experiences related to APE.
Her Excellency Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei Statement
Her Excellency Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of SCHS, confirmed that the international scientific conference hosted by the Emirate of Sharjah, “the friendly city for people with disabilities,” with the participation and presence of an elite group of experts and specialists in movement sciences and APE, is a knowledge platform to further raise the level of training and skill programs for people with disabilities.
She said, “The organizers of the conference are eager to discuss the educational, psychological and health characteristics and practical applications of adapted sports. It also opens the way for learning about modern and advanced practices in services and applications and supporting individuals and families in this field”.
Despite its significance, she continued, the topic of APE has not gotten the proper attention in the Arab world. To improve the independence of students with disabilities and their incorporation into the sustainable development system, this calls for additional research and highlighting of its various components. It is imperative that we acknowledge that the modified physical education program offers individuals with disabilities the chance to enhance their motor skills and physical abilities through a rehabilitative and therapeutic program. This, in turn, helps them realize their potential and become more self-assured and productive members of society.
She explained that during the first semester of the current academic year, 916 students with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, severe and multiple disabilities benefited from its special education services in accordance with best international practices. They constitute 79.41% of the total students. This achievement is consistent with the conference’s objectives of raising awareness of the latest practices and knowledge of physical education adapted for persons with disabilities. The conference contributes to amending and adapting curricula and standards, in a way that is compatible with all types of disabilities. It also seeks to encourage sports organizations and governmental and community agencies to support sports, which achieves equality and justice for persons with disabilities.
The Director General of SCHS and Chairman of the Conference thanked SCHS’s partners in organizing the conference, California State University - Chico in the United States of America, and Sharjah Education Academy. She also extended her thanks to conference sponsors: Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, Sharjah National Oil Corporation, Elico Industries Limited, and Private International Knowledge School, and to SCHS partners: Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Dubai Islamic Bank.
Dr. Rebecca Lytle Statement
Professor Rebecca Lytle of California State University - Chico shared her joy in a prerecorded video greeting, saying she is excited to be visiting the cultural and educational hub of the United Arab Emirates, the Emirate of Sharjah. She commended the university, SCHS, and Sharjah Education Academy for their current collaboration as well as their combined efforts in putting on the International Scientific Conference on "Theory and Practice in APE."
She made note of the fact that the conference would feature a combination of up-to-date research and useful workshops with material that can be put to use right away. She emphasized that everyone is thrilled about the collaboration between eminent experts from around the globe, who will discuss their projects and research. The advancement of professional knowledge greatly benefits from this international cooperation.
Her Excellency Professor Khawla Ahmed Al Hosani Statement
Ms. Khawla Ahmed Al Hosani, Director of Operations at Sharjah Education Academy, stressed the importance of cooperation with SCHS and California State University - Chico to support and empower people with disabilities in accordance with the best international practices in the field of APE.
She said, “APE is an important transformation in the world of education, as technological innovations blend with traditional concepts to provide an educational environment that allows people with disabilities to make the most of their educational experiences, and investment in this vital field will contribute significantly to enhancing the capabilities of people with disabilities and their positive interaction with learning”.
She added, “At the Sharjah Education Academy, we believe in the ability of science in its various specializations to give us effective solutions to the challenges facing us all, including people with disabilities. We are committed to providing our full support to initiatives aimed at promoting APE, and we consider this innovative approach an integral part of our vision to develop a comprehensive and integrated educational environment for all”.
Mr. Mohamed Fawzi Statement
For his part, Mr. Mohamed Fawzi, Director of the Early Intervention Center, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Conference, pointed out that SCHS has been keen, since its establishment, to provide everything new to the local, Arab, and international community. From this standpoint, and for several years, SCHS has been organizing a scientific conference every year to complement this approach.
He revealed that the summaries and working papers of 63 participants were received from 17 different countries (10 Arab and 7 foreign countries) and from several parties inside and outside the country. On the other hand, the scientific committee of the conference worked during the last period on studying them and choosing what was most harmonious and appropriate to the needs and aspirations of the conference, all the way to the stage of announcing the final schedule for the conference.
Fawzi talked about conference’s themes, “Qualification,” which covers tests, curricula, professional development, and policies, in addition to global experiences. The second theme, “Health and Safety,” would talk about the health benefits and medical aspects related to the field, the safe environment, and nutrition, and the third theme, “Technology,” through which will present rich experiences in the field of available and modified technologies and tools to help people with disabilities engage in the sports they love. The fourth theme is “Inclusive Education,” through which the focus will be on the importance of inclusive games and activities and the role of teachers and specialists in the field of APE and sustainable development, and there will also be many activities. Interactive modified sports during the conference
These topics were covered in 18 working papers by 26 researchers, and four workshops will be organized over the two days of the conference.