SCHS PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENT MARKS WORLD OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DAY
The Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, which is an affiliate of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), has organized a number of events including informative activities and therapy sessions to mark the World Occupational Therapy Day. The theme for this year’s events is ‘Celebrating our Global Community’. The activities targeted children with disabilities, their parents, and a number of SCHS employees and workers.
The department delivered a lecture entitled “The Concept of Occupational Therapy and the Right Ways to Develop Fine Motor Skills” to public nurseries teachers at Women's Union Association. The department delivered another lecture entitled “Sensory Problems; Challenges and Solutions” to a number of parents and teachers in collaboration with Al Wafa School for Capacity Development.
In addition, the Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy of SCHS branch in Kallba organized consultation sessions and a number of practical activities such as using fine motor skills in playing and an open discussion with parents about the challenges facing their children.
Ms. Freeze Abu Siris, Head of SCHS Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, has mentioned that the department has organized a discussion session for employees at Al Dhaid branch to find out what they know about Occupational Therapy in addition to some other activities targeting teachers. They have also discussed one of the children’s cases in terms of vocational rehabilitation in an attempt to find solutions.
In SCHS Early Intervention Center, the department provided consultation for a number of children enrolled in SCHS Consultation Department as well as giving advice and recommendations for families on the proper way to face challenges.
Abu Siris has pointed out that the department began offering services in the early eighties as part of Al Wafa School for Capacity Development. As for Early Intervention Center, offering services began in 1994. The actual work as a fully independent department began in September 1999. Currently, the department is offering two main services. They are physical and occupational therapy. The number of persons with disabilities receiving these two services has reached 400 a year.
To conclude, Abu Siris pointed out the importance of marking World Occupational Therapy Day in raising people’s awareness of the programs and services, which SCHS offers to persons with disabilities and their parents.