SCHS CELEBRATES WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) commemorated World Down Syndrome Day, which is observed on March 21 of each year, with the theme "Modernizing Our Support Systems." By showcasing their talents and accomplishments, showcasing exceptional role models, and promoting their rights and equal chances in education and career, the goal was to increase awareness of Down syndrome and dispel myths about the illness.
"One of the most important meanings of this year's slogan is to unify efforts towards building a more inclusive environment in which people with Down syndrome can achieve their full potential and participate effectively in society, in addition to strengthening community efforts, which reflects optimism and hope for a better future for everyone," stressed Dr. Samia Mohammed Saleh, Director of Al Wafaa School for Capacity Development, which is affiliated with SCHS. Every year, the tagline is modified to better reflect the primary theme of the annual activities.
She said, “During the school year 2024–2025, SCHS served 255 students with Down syndrome across its departments and divisions”. She emphasized that the most important programs, services, and activities offered by SCHS to individuals with Down syndrome are training and rehabilitation, mental health-educational diagnosis and assessment, and therapeutic and support services, which include occupational therapy, nursing, speech and language, and mental health-educational diagnosis and social services.
Additionally, SCHS provides assistive technology services, which include evaluating students' needs and giving them the right tools and applications to support their learning and communication process, family support and guidance, consultations and follow-up, educational integration, community awareness, training and technical support services, and support activities and services (music therapy, sports and recreational activities, and artistic activities like swimming, horseback riding, drawing, and handicrafts). In addition to offering teachers technical support and training services, SCHS organizes workshops and specialized training courses to help professionals in the industry improve their skills and competences, added Dr. Samia Mohammed Saleh.
Saleh ended by noting that SCHS's World Down Syndrome Day celebration included a plethora of lectures and seminars from a variety of departments and branches, as well as a number of awareness-raising, educational, and recreational programs, events, and activities.